What makes a source reliable?

A source is reliable when it is unbiased and has research behind it. Let’s take Wikipedia and the CDC website into example. Wikipedia is not a reliable source because anyone can edit it and make it unbiased or untrue. The CDC website has scientists and doctors doing research on each topic to give you the best, unbiased, information on how to avoid ilness.

1) Accuracy:

Verify the information you already know against the information found in the source.

2) Authority:

Make sure the source is written by a trustworthy author and/or institution.

3) Currency:

Depending on your subject, your currency needs will vary. For topics related to recent breakthroughs in medicine and technology, you will need to find up-to-date sources. If, however, you are researching a historical topic, older resources may still be useful.

4) Coverage:

You will also want to examine the content of the source and how it fits your information needs. Identify its relevancy to your topic and whether or not it addresses the subject matter.