Evaluating Credibility
Determine how trustworthy and reliable a source is.
Learn
Credibility Factors
- Authority: Is the author qualified? What are their credentials?
- Accuracy: Can the information be verified? Are facts correct?
- Currency: Is the information up to date? When was it published?
- Purpose: Why was this created? To inform, persuade, entertain, or sell?
- Objectivity: Is the source fair and balanced, or heavily biased?
Practice
Question 1: What does "credibility" mean when evaluating sources?
Answer
Credibility refers to how trustworthy and reliable a source is based on its accuracy, authority, and objectivity.
Question 2: Why is the author's expertise important when evaluating a source?
Answer
Authors with relevant expertise and credentials are more likely to provide accurate, reliable information on the topic.
Question 3: A website about medicine has no author listed. How does this affect credibility?
Answer
It reduces credibility because you cannot verify the author's qualifications or hold anyone accountable for accuracy.
Question 4: Why might a source's publication date matter?
Answer
Outdated sources may contain incorrect information, especially for topics like science, technology, or current events.
Question 5: A company writes an article praising its own product. How might this affect credibility?
Answer
The source has a clear bias and financial interest, reducing its objectivity and credibility for an unbiased evaluation.
Question 6: What questions should you ask about a source's purpose?
Answer
Why was it created? Is it meant to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell? Who benefits from this information?
Question 7: Why are peer-reviewed academic journals generally considered credible?
Answer
Articles are reviewed by other experts before publication, checking for accuracy, methodology, and validity.
Question 8: A blog post makes claims but provides no sources. Is this credible?
Answer
Lower credibility. Credible sources typically cite evidence and allow readers to verify claims.
Question 9: How can you check if information in a source is accurate?
Answer
Cross-reference with other credible sources, check cited sources, and look for fact-checking by reliable organizations.
Question 10: What is the CRAAP test for evaluating sources?
Answer
Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose - five criteria for evaluating source credibility.