scholarly sources and reliability

Peer review

Experts evaluate the research before publication

Author expertise

Relevant education, research, or professional experience

Systematic evidence

Data are collected and analyzed using a stated, organized method.

Citations and references

Readers can connect the claims to evidence and past research.

Transparent methods

explains how the sample was selected and how evidence was collected and analyzed.

Warning signs

- anonymous author or no expertise

- major claims w/o evidence or citations

- methods or data sources not explained.

- source relies mainly on advertising, popularity, or emotional language

- too certain, ignoring limitations or disagreement