“Whether you are a journalist, researcher, writer, or someone in the professional fields, it is important to know how to identify real information and use it accurately. That’s our real challenge in the 21st century.” – Lee E. Krahenbuhl, Communication Studies Program Coordinator
With the infinite amount of information online, it can be difficult to decipher what is true and accurate and what is not. Once you know the trick to identifying reliable information, you can quickly determine if what you’re reading is accurate or not.
What is reliable information?
Reliable information must come from dependable sources. According to UGA Libraries, a reliable source will provide a “thorough, well-reasoned theory, argument, etc. based on strong evidence.” Widely credible sources include:
- Scholarly, peer-reviewed articles and books
- Trade or professional articles or books
- Magazine articles, books and newspaper articles from well-established companies
Other sources like websites and blog posts can be reliable but require further evaluation.
You may be asking yourself, “what source is best for me?” Depending on the type of information you need, your sources may vary. For example, if you are writing a research paper about the psychology of communication you want to look at journal articles and research-based reports. This is because those types of sources typically include more information on the topic at hand.
How to identify reliable sources
What makes a source reliable? To determine whether a source is reliable or not you must look at certain criteria. That criteria are as follows:
- Authority: Who is the author? What are their credentials? Do they have knowledgeable experience in the field they are writing about? What is their reputation?
- Accuracy: Compare the author’s information to that which you already know is reliable. Are there proper citations? Is the information biased? If so, does it affect research conclusions
- Coverage: Is the information relevant to your topic and does it meet your needs? Consider what you need such as statistics, charts, and graphs.
- Currency: Is your topic constantly evolving? Topics in technology and medical innovation require sources that are up to date.
The importance of reliable information
The internet is scattered with biased, misleading, and altogether incorrect information and that is why it is important to follow the above criteria. The importance of using reliable sources truly boils down to effective communication. If your knowledge is based on unreliable information you will not be a trustworthy asset to your company.
Credible communication is key in business success and that is why you should not just grab any information off the internet. Using unreliable sources results in negative consequences. Credibility is especially important to business professionals because using unreliable data can cause internal and external stakeholders to question your decisions and rely solely on their own opinions rather than factual data.
Hence, using credible sources for information will increase your reputation and trustworthiness. An article by the Ivey Business Journal supports this idea by expressing that trust is a key factor in building loyalty, increasing credibility, and supporting effective communication.
So remember, it is important to develop your skills in identifying reliable resources because it will ultimately help you become an effective communicator and trustworthy leader.
Are you looking to expand your communication skill set? Stevenson University Online’s Master’s in Communication Studies program equips working professionals with the skills to identify and deliver reliable information.
Stevenson University Online offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs that can equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s professional landscape. Programs include Business Communication, Business and Technology Management, and Communication Studies. All courses are online, allowing you to continue working while pursuing your degree. For more information, please contact us at suo-inquiry@stevenson.edu or 1-877-531-7118.
Communication
FAQs
Stevenson University is a leader in NCAA Division III athletics, with a proud tradition of championship teams and athletes at the conference and national levels.
What is the average GPA for Stevenson University? ›
The average GPA at Stevenson University is 3.1. This makes Stevenson University Moderately Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
What major is Stevenson University known for? ›
The most popular majors at Stevenson University include: Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Visual and Performing Arts; Homeland Security, Law ...
What is Stevenson University ranked in the US? ›
It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Stevenson University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities North, #91. Its tuition and fees are $39,708. Stevenson University is located in Maryland, about 10 miles northwest of Baltimore.
Is Stevenson University a dry campus? ›
Standards of Conduct Regarding Alcohol
It is the University's policy to uphold the alcohol laws of the State of Maryland. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted only by those who are at least 21 years of age.
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In 1967, the college established a board of trustees and became independent of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Roman Catholic Church.
Is Stevenson hard to get into? ›
Stevenson University has an acceptance rate of 84%. The application deadline at Stevenson University is rolling.
How much does Stevenson school cost? ›
2024–25 School Year
| Grades 9–12 (Resident) | $77,900 |
|---|
| Grades 9–12 (Day) | $50,500 |
| Kindergarten–Grade 8 | $32,800 |
| Pre-Kindergarten | $20,500 |
Apr 12, 2024
With a student-to faculty ratio of 15:1, Stevenson students receive exceptional, individualized attention to help them succeed in and out of the classroom. 95% of Nursing and Health Professions graduates are employed or attending graduate school.
Tons of raging parties almost any night of the week. Lots of options Wednesday-Saturday.
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Serving over 2,700 undergraduate students as well as nearly 900 online students, the university is committed to providing exceptional experiences, a connection to career, and a community centered on student success.
How diverse is Stevenson University? ›
The enrolled student population at Stevenson University, both undergraduate and graduate, is 52% White, 26.6% Black or African American, 8.83% Hispanic or Latino, 5.5% Two or More Races, 3.47% Asian, 0.116% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0869% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
What kind of school is Stevenson University? ›
Stevenson is a small, private university located outside of Baltimore, MD. With an emphasis on career education, our students across 90+ majors, minors, and pre-professional tracks receive hands-on training and preparation, no matter their calling.
Does Stevenson University have sororities? ›
Our two fraternities and three sororities aren't just another social outlet; they also provide the young men and women of Stevenson with myriad opportunities for real leadership development, professional networking, philanthropic work, and more.
What are D1 schools? ›
NCAA Division 1 (D1) schools are the best colleges for sports. Today, there are 363 D1 schools across 49 states in the U.S. These schools have more student-athletes and bigger athletic budgets than D2 and D3 colleges. They also offer some of the best scholarships for your student-athlete.
What division is Stevenson Maryland? ›
Stevenson has 29 Division III athletic teams, including football, cross country, and men's and women's lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, ice hockey and basketball. 94% of 2022 graduates are employed or in graduate school.
How many D1 college schools are there? ›
Currently, there are 362 institutions classified as Division I (including those in the process of transitioning from other divisions). An additional 203 institutions in one of the NCAA's other two divisions compete or will compete in Division I in at least one sport.
How many Division 1 basketball schools are there? ›
There are more than 350 NCAA Division 1 basketball colleges across the U.S. While there are many competitive opportunities at all division levels, many student-athletes are set on playing at one of these D1 basketball colleges, which are considered among some of the top men's basketball colleges across the nation.
