With online sources as with print sources, the degree of authority a source has on a particular subject can help determine the quality of the information generated or reported by that source. Examining the credentials possibly provided in the "about us" link on a website can indicate the authority of the source. However, a researcher should independently verify these credentials. If a degree is claimed, the University or Institution can verify this degree. If publications are claimed, the following websites can be used to verify these publications: Evidence of the site owner having been cited by other authors in other related publications can also indicate the authority of the source. In addition, the professionalism of the site presentation can help to verify the authority of the source. Poor grammar or shoddy site construction should make the researcher more skeptical of the source. |