Credible Sources

Credible Sources

Is this site credible? Credible = reliable, believable, trustworthy

Is it on topic?

• Does it actually address what you are look for?

Is it current?

• and does that matter?

Is the author an expert on this topic?

• How do you know?

Consider the author's purpose or goal in writing the piece.

• Is their goal simply to inform you of the issues?

• (They may have a hidden agenda or ulterior motive, such as to promote, sell, entertain, or persuade)

Does the article use credible sources AND cite (reference) its sources?

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Is the website mainstream or well-known?

• Is it well-established, meaning it's been around for a while?

Does it match other websites, or what you know to be true about the topic?

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Also consider:

• blogs can be credible if the author is an expert and/or if the sources are cited and credible

• the domain name (.com, .gov, etc). this may or may not be an important factor

If it is in the news:

• remember that news companies MUST print the facts - it is illegal for them to knowingly print something false

• But news companies also want to entertain. They may embellish, add opinions or 'spin' the story.

• Some articles are editorials . This is someone's opinion, not an official report.