Overview
This lecture explains what makes a source credible, why credible sources matter in research, and how to evaluate a source’s credibility.
What is a Credible Source?
- A credible source provides high quality, trustworthy, and believable information.
- Using credible sources enhances your own credibility as a writer and strengthens your arguments.
- Quality research, both student and professional, relies on other credible research.
Factors That Influence Credibility
- An author's expertise (degrees, experience) increases a source’s credibility.
- Some publications (e.g., respected newspapers) demonstrate credibility through editorial review, even without listing author credentials.
- The publication date affects credibility; out-of-date sources may not be reliable for current information.
Recognizing and Evaluating Bias
- Bias means presenting information in an inaccurate or unfair way and can be intentional or unintentional.
- Sponsorship by groups with specific agendas may influence results and create bias.
- All types of sources, including library materials, can contain bias.
- It’s acceptable to use opinionated sources if you acknowledge their perspective.
The Role of Peer Review
- Academic books and articles often undergo rigorous editorial or peer review before publication.
- Peer review involves experts evaluating the work’s quality and helps filter out unreliable or biased sources.
- Peer-reviewed articles are considered particularly high quality.
Appropriateness and Relevance
- Always assess whether a credible source is also appropriate for your specific research question.
- Suitability depends on the topic, context, and how current the information is.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Credible source — a trustworthy and high-quality information source.
- Bias — an unfair or inaccurate presentation of information due to personal or organizational perspective.
- Peer review — process where experts evaluate scholarly work before publication.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Evaluate sources for author expertise, bias, and publication date.
- Consult a librarian for help finding or assessing credible sources.