Credibility Continuum

While doing research for your assignments, you'll come across a variety of sources -- some of which are ideal for including in your paper or presentation, and others that are best left out. To help you determine the nature of a source, you can use the Credibility Continuum. Below are some examples of 

• Scholarly: Articles or books written and reviewed by scholars or professionals who are experts in their field
• Substantive News and Non-Fiction: In-depth, reliable articles or books on topics of public concern, written by journalists or authors for major newspapers, news magazines or publishers
• Popular: Articles that reflect the tastes of the general public and are meant as entertainment
• Advocacy: Articles or web pages from political parties, activist groups, or religious groups that promote a specific agenda
• Personal: Blogs or personal web pages that reflect the opinions and interests of the author. May or may not be factually accurate
• Sensational: Magazines such as the National Inquirer, TMZ, and Star that are intended to evoke curiosity or a strong reaction

It's important to note that some information can fall into multiple categories. A writer's Substack blog, for example, could incorporate both substantial research, and the author's personal opinions. Click the tabs on the left to learn more about each category of information.