CTVA 301: Media Research Methods

Investigate the trustworthiness of any potential source you encounter online or from social media. Here are some things to consider:

Authority

Accountability matters.

• Is there an author or creator associated with a blog, article, photograph, or video?
• What are the qualifications of the author/creator? Do they possess a degree in the field?
• Is a brief biography provided?

Relevance

Utility matters.

• Is the information sufficiently related to your inquiry?
• How much is your topic featured? Or is it mentioned in passing? Use "Ctrl+F".
• Is the information sufficiently current, if needed? 

Purpose

Intention matters.

• Can you identify the publisher hosting the information?
• What is the point of the information? To sell, educate, or persuade?
• Who is the intended audience?

Bias

Objectivity matters.

• Is the language and tone reasonable and impartial? 
• Is the speech exaggerated, hyperbolic, or manipulative?
• Are there priorities or an agenda associated with the information or website? See 'Purpose'.

Disinformation

Facts matter.

• Are the claims made reasonable or unbelievable?
• Is the information supported by reliable evidence?
• Use fact checkers to to breakdown false or misleading claims. Try Politifact, FactCheck.org, Snopes.

Equity

Diversity matters.

• People in power tend to dominate information spaces.
• Does the information attempt to be inclusive of other points of view?
• Intentionally seek marginalized voices if appropriate to your topic.

Evaluating information is imperative before using it in your research papers or presentations. Be prepared to fact-check claims that you come across, and pay attention to where the information is coming from. Use the tips on this page to learn how to identify bias as well as how to evaluate news, journal articles and websites.

Evaluating Sources for Credibility." North Carolina State University Libraries, published on YouTube 9 June  2015.