Which of the following are factors to consider when evaluating how authoritative a source is?

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Authority hinges on the author's demonstrated expertise in the subject. The author’s credentials—such as advanced degrees, relevant professional positions, and a track record of publishing in the field—show that the person has the knowledge and background to support the claims being made. When you see solid credentials, it’s a strong signal that the work is grounded in real expertise, which makes it more trustworthy for informing your understanding or research.

The work’s date can matter for currency, especially in fields that change quickly, but it doesn’t by itself prove that the author knows the topic well. The length of a piece isn’t a reliable measure of authority—concise writings can be deeply informed, just as longer works can be less credible if the author lacks relevant qualifications. The source’s topic describes what is being discussed, but without credentials, it doesn’t tell you whether the author can speak with authority on that topic.