When evaluating a source, what's one factor you should analyze?

• A. Title
• B. Author credentials
• C. Quality of prose
• D. Length of work

Answer: (B)

When evaluating a source, the author’s credentials indicate whether the writer has relevant expertise and standing in the field. Knowing the author’s training, professional experience, and institutional affiliation helps you judge how likely the information is to be accurate and well-informed. Credentials also flag potential biases or conflicts of interest that could influence what’s being presented. Surface features like the title, prose quality, or even length can be persuasive without guaranteeing accuracy, so they’re less reliable indicators on their own. To assess this factor, look for the author’s academic degrees or professional titles, current position or affiliation, publication history, and any stated conflicts of interest. Together, these details provide a solid sense of whether the source comes from someone with the appropriate expertise to speak on the topic.