Investigate the Source
It’s not always clear where information online is coming from, or how much it can be trusted. Step one is to identify the source and check out its reputation.
It’s not always clear where information online is coming from, or how much it can be trusted. Step one is to identify the source and check out its reputation.
Different sources have different motives. If we want to rely on a particular source, it is important to gain some context and understand the purpose behind the message.
When investigating an unfamiliar source, Wikipedia is a helpful first stop. Here, Ken demonstrates how to use Wikipedia to gain context about people, publications and groups.
Does it matter when Wikipedia says a source is 'left-leaning' or 'right-leaning'? Learn why an organization's agenda is more important than its bias
Some people are hesitant to use Wikipedia, but its mixed reputation isn't deserved. Here are some reasons why Wikipedia is a useful tool for doing quick reputation checks
This video reviews the features of a Wikipedia article to help us use it most effectively
What is an expert? Why is it that expertise in one area isn't necessarily transferable to another? Ken reviews the concept of domain knowledge and provides some tips to help us decide who to trust on what topics.
Learn about the different types of groups that work in the world of advocacy.
Now that you’ve seen how to investigate sources, try it for yourself with the three examples below. Can you determine the credibility of each source?