Which of the following statements about evaluating sources is NOT a good indicator of credibility?

• A. Checking author qualifications.
• B. Checking publication venue.
• C. Checking date.
• D. Relying on a source that has a strong opinion but little evidence.

Answer: (D)

Evaluating sources for credibility means looking at who wrote it, where it was published, and when it was published. If the author has relevant qualifications or expertise, you’re more likely to be getting accurate information. A publication with strong editorial standards or a reputable venue typically checks facts and may use review processes, which helps ensure what you read is trustworthy. The date matters because information can change over time; newer sources are often more relevant, especially for topics that evolve.

Relying on a source that has a strong opinion but little evidence doesn’t help you judge credibility. Strong opinions without supporting facts or data can reflect bias and mislead you, making the source less reliable as a basis for truth.

So, checking author qualifications, publication venue, and date are solid ways to assess credibility, while a source that emphasizes opinion over evidence is not a good indicator of trustworthiness.