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Writing 10 (Xu)

College Reading & Composition

Credibility

Credibility can help you decide whether or not to trust an information source.

You may want to consider the source's scope, currency, target audience, and more as you make your decision.

PROVEN

Proven graphic

Transcript of this Graphic

P.R.O.V.E.N.

Purpose
  • How and why was this source created?
Relevance
  • What is the value of the source for your needs?
Objectivity
  • Is the information complete and reasonable?
Verifiability
  • Is the accuracy and truthfulness of the information supported with evidence?
Expertise
  • What is the authority of the creator of the source?
Newness
  • When was the information produced?

Evaluating Sources for Credibility (Video Tutorial)

North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries, 3:14

Questions:

  1. What words can be used to describe a credible source?
  2. What factors contribute to a source's credibility? 
  3. What warning is given about bias? 
  4. What is the editorial process called for academic journal articles? 
  5. When selecting sources, what else must you consider beyond credibility?

Website Evaluation

Common Craft, 2:59

Questions to Consider:

  1. The narrator tells us to "Think like an __________."
  2. Why do we see an increase in information published that is not trustworthy?
  3. What strategies can you take to identify trustworthy information?