5.4 Evaluating the Reliability of Sources
A Sea of Information!
Thanks to the Internet, we now have easy access to vast amounts of information, not to mention all the notifications received on our devices from social media or subscriptions to various other websites. Several factors can influence the credibility of sources found on the Internet: media convergence, information overload, algorithms, the fact that anyone can post information, etc. It takes vigilance to navigate this world. To do so, you need to ask yourself the right questions.
5.3.1 Activity 1 - Analyse digital sources of information
This first activity will give you the opportunity to evaluate three sources of information by activating your prior knowledge. We will then present you with tools that you can use to review your evaluation.
5.3.2 Activity - Criteria to Evaluate a Source
- Now take a look at the criteria we suggest you use to evaluate a source.
- Based on this information, review the criteria you identified in the first activity and complete the evaluation grid for each of the three sites.
- Following your evaluation of these three sources, how would you rate your habits with respect to selecting reliable sources?
Our Analysis
Consult our analysis to check your comprehension.
5.3.3 What is a reliable source?
Since anyone can post almost anything online, it is essential to exercise critical judgment and evaluate the sources of information you find using rigorous criteria. You must also ensure that the information is accessible and meets your information needs. You must then find at least two other sources that validate this information. This is a rigorous process, but being able to do this is an essential skill in today’s world.
Reliability
To determine the reliability of a source, you will look at the following elements: the author’s expertise and credibility, the provenance of the information, the year of publication as well as the thoroughness, clarity, objectivity and writing quality of the source.
Relevance
A source will be relevant if it meets your research or information needs and is accessible to you. In addition, it must be validated by two other sources and meet reliability criteria: is the information useful and accurate?
Triangulation
To ensure the information you find is reliable, it is always a good idea to find at least two other sources that confirm it. All three sources should be produced by different authors.
You should also aim to find at least two independent sources; if all three quotes are from the same author(s), triangulation has not been achieved.
Summary
To evaluate the sources of information you have found, you must exercise critical judgement as you:
- Evaluate the reliability of the sources of information.
- Ensure the sources you have found are relevant to your information needs. (You may need to modify your search queries to obtain more relevant results.)
- Use a variety of sources to validate their reliability (triangulation).