When evaluating online sources, one of the points to remember is that, all information listed on the internet is not reliable. In essence, when reading this blog titled "The Nation," I can not determine that the information is reliable because the source, author and credentials were missing. Although the "Wikipedia" article should be based on reliable sources, this article did not fit the guideline of a reliable source. This article clearly shows you a collection of data from different sources. Therefore, if the article shows data from different sources, shouldn't it be considered reliable?

The capital punishment article is somewhat reliable because the information is from a college website. As a result, I would not hesitate to use the information provided.

You apparently misunderstood my italicized comments at the end of the first paragraph. Why do you consider the "Wikipedia" article unreliable? Citing data from different sources does not make it unreliable.

When evaluating online sources, it is important to consider multiple factors to determine their reliability. While the presence of data from different sources in an article can be an indication of credibility, it does not guarantee reliability on its own. Here's how you can approach evaluating the reliability of online sources:

1. Assess the source itself: Look for information about the website or publication to determine its authority and reputation. Check if it has any biases, conflicts of interest, or a history of spreading misinformation. In this case, you mentioned that "The Nation" blog lacked information about the source, author, and credentials, which makes it difficult to evaluate its reliability.

2. Author credentials: Verify the qualifications and expertise of the author. Reliable sources typically provide information about the author's background, education, and experience in the subject area. Lack of author credentials can raise doubts about the reliability of the information.

3. Cross-reference information: It is helpful to cross-reference the information provided in an article with other reputable sources. This can help verify the accuracy and consistency of the information. However, just because an article collects data from different sources does not automatically guarantee its reliability, as the quality and credibility of those sources matter too.

4. Consider the publication platform: Different platforms have varying levels of editorial oversight. Academic websites tend to have more rigorous review processes, making information published on them generally more reliable. In your example, the capital punishment article from a college website can be considered more reliable due to the authority associated with academic institutions.

5. Check for citations and references: Reliable sources often provide citations or references to back up the information presented. By reviewing these sources, you can evaluate their credibility, which adds to the overall reliability of the article.

Remember, it's essential to critically assess information from online sources and not solely rely on one article or website for important decisions or research.