B - check if the author cited their source(s)
This option directly addresses the need to verify the accuracy of the information by ensuring that the author provides credible sources for their data or claims.
Now that you've checked out the author's credibility, you'll want to verify the accuracy of the information they use.
Here's what you're looking for:
A works cited page or bibliography
Identified sources for any data or statistics in the content
For example, this excerpt from an article cites a source:
“According to the National Research Association, 70% of Americans are spending more on medical insurance today than they were ten years ago.”
This excerpt from an article doesn’t cite a source:
“More than 50% of Americans today are without medical insurance. The reason? The costs keeping increasing while average salaries are on the decline. Most Americans are earning less per year than at any time in history.”
Credible authors support their statements with evidence so that readers know where they got their information. If you find a writer, or source, that doesn’t cite its sources, you should be skeptical and avoid using it for your own work.
What’s the best way to confirm the accuracy of a piece of information?
A
look to see what else the author has written
B
check if the author cited their source(s)
C
look at the date that it was published
D
find out if the source was published in print as well as online
1 answer