What makes one source more credible than another?
If you're referring to articles and other things you find on the Internet, here's a good site to help you learn to tell the difference:
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/eval.html
Click on Criteria and read it through; then try your hand at determining which is best, which is worst, and which is "iffy" in the Examples section.
And here's another:
http://www.sou.edu/library/searchtools/evaluate.html
If you're referring to books and other sources in print in your library, be sure to consult with the reference librarian. The reason we employ librarians in all libraries is to weed out the awful from the good.
The author needs to be credible -- that is, he/she is not just some joe-schmoe from wherever!
The publisher/sponsor needs to be authoritative, too -- a university or a government or some non-profit sites are usually far preferable to any .com websites.
There should be some indication of when the site was last updated -- and it should be relatively recent.
The topic and the stance should not be "off the wall" -- remember that just about anyone can publish just about anything on the Internet. You have to be careful.
=)
To determine the credibility of a source, there are several factors to consider:
1. Author expertise: Consider the qualifications and background of the author. Look for their credentials, expertise, and experience related to the subject matter. Are they a reputable expert in the field?
2. Publisher/sponsor reputation: Assess the reputation and credibility of the publisher or sponsor of the source. Is it a well-known and respected organization, university, or government institution? Non-profit organizations and academic institutions tend to have higher credibility compared to commercial websites.
3. Accuracy and reliability: Check if the information is accurate, reliable, and supported by evidence. Look for references, citations, and sources used by the author to back up their claims. Cross-check the information with other credible sources to verify its accuracy.
4. Objectivity and bias: Consider the potential bias or perspective of the source. Is it presenting information objectively or does it have a clear agenda or bias? Look for balanced views, inclusion of different perspectives, and a presentation of facts rather than opinion.
5. Timeliness: Check the date of publication or last update. The source should be relatively recent and up-to-date. Some fields, like technology or science, may require more current information compared to historical topics.
6. Peer review: For academic or scientific research, peer-reviewed sources undergo a rigorous evaluation process by experts in the field. These sources are considered highly credible and reliable due to the scrutiny they receive.
It's always recommended to consult multiple sources and compare information to gain a comprehensive and balanced understanding. Use critical thinking and evaluate the credibility of each source based on these criteria to make informed decisions.