Strategies to Identify Credible Sources

Misleading, unreliable, and questionable information or data can be found anywhere. So, when searching, it is important to be cautious and meticulous with information provided by the internet.

Otherwise, you will spread and carry with you false information that will not benefit you in any way. Therefore, it is significant to assess the data that you decide to feed into your brain every single time to prevent speaking wrong and misunderstanding.

In selecting accurate information from the world wide web, I utilized different strategies. Such strategies include:

1. Checking of Domain and Publication Date

In making sure of the source's credibility, I tend to check the website’s domain and the publication date. As we all know, once a website has a reputable domain, it is a reputable website. This means it provides information that is most likely accurate. However, the assessment doesn't end there; the publication date must also be given attention since it also determines the source’s credibility. If the date is recent, then it can be used as a solid and credible source. On the other hand, if it's obsolete, the source could be acknowledged as weak.

 

2. Cross-Checking Information

As a person who values credibility and truth, I always cross-check every piece of information because of my need for certainty. To select valuable data, I cross-check websites to figure out whether what I'm writing or thinking is credible and valid. Cross-checking is crucial because it prevents wide-spread misinformation. Hence, I, myself, am very cautious in presenting data to avoid false information, as I believe that one person can create a misinformed society if cross-checking isn't taken seriously. 

 

3. Checking for References or Citations

Another way to evaluate credibility is to look for citations or references in your sources. Once a source has references and citations, it is considered credible and accurate since the source presents itself as an interpretation or summary of these references. It is important to realize that a source having a compilation of multiple sources solidifies the idea that it is accurate as it is supported by multiple evidences.

With such strategies mentioned, always remember to: (1) check domain and publication date, (2) cross-check information, and; (3) check for references or citations.