Skip to Main Content

Evaluating claims you find on web sites: Your Final Verdict

What is a credible source: a checklist

Is the source credible? And is the claim true?

In summary, mull over the key questions:

  • Is the claim clear and reasonable?
  • Are the authors in a good position to know the truth?
  • Are the authors properly motivated to tell the truth without distortion?
  • Additionally, does the publishing process provide quality control?

Can you answer yes to all these? If so, then you have a credible source for your claim! 

A credible source doesn't guarantee that the claim is true. Mistakes happen all the time. But you are justified in believing it is true.

Congratulations!

Independent Evaluations

It makes sense to double-check your thinking with other evaluators.

Integrating the findings of multiple, independent evaluations increases the reliability of your conclusion.