This module may challenge your ideas about research and what makes a source credible. Take a look at some common misconceptions about evaluating sources.
MYTH: A source is credible if the organization has an About Us page.
FACT: It’s their website, so they can say anything they want about themselves! Look at outside sources to learn more about them.
MYTH: An article is credible if it links to other information.
FACT: Citing sources is always good, but make sure those sources are credible and don’t just link back to their own information on the site.
MYTH: A source is credible if the author has a pic and a bio.
FACT: An author can say whatever they want about themselves! Look at outside sources to learn more about them.
MYTH: Only websites that end in .org or .edu are credible.
FACT: The domain only tells you what kind of website it is and has nothing to do with the credibility of the information on the site. In fact, you don't even have to be a nonprofit organization to obtain a .org domain!
You may learn a little about the format of the information within the URL. For example, within the following URL, you'll see it says "blog," meaning that article is a blog post.
https://fullscript.com/blog/social-media-effects-on-mental-health
MYTH: News sources only contain opinions, so they’re not credible.
FACT: Journalism can be factual, investigative, contain opinions, & more. Evaluate the news source and think about how it helps you with your information need. In some cases, news sources may be better for your information need.
MYTH: A source isn’t credible if the webpage contains ads.
FACT: Ads are how many websites make their money. The presence of ads has nothing to do with the quality of the information on the site. Many authoritative internet sources are .com websites with ads.
MYTH: A source is credible if the webpage looks professional.
FACT: Anyone can design a website and make it look professional! Investigate the organization itself, rather than using the superficial look of the site to help you decide if the information is credible.