CREDENTIALS
"Unlocking the Truth: Check the Credentials, Trust the Experts!"
One of the primary aspects to examine is the qualifications of the person responsible for generating the information. It is crucial to determine whether they possess sufficient knowledge and expertise in the relevant field. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate whether the individual has experience and proficiency in the subject matter they are addressing
The credentials of the information's creator should be the first thing you look into. Do they possess subject matter expertise? Do they have knowledge of the topic they're talking about? We should look at this by posing inquiries like these: What kind of education do they have? Do they possess a graduate degree in the topic at hand?
What do they do for a living? Do they hold a position that entitles them to speak on the topic?
Do they possess any other knowledge that would qualify them as a reliable source of information? For instance, a patient who has undergone treatment for a certain illness doesn't need to be doctors to share their firsthand experience and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of various treatments and medications.
These questions can be answered using Google. See what results appear when you type in the author's name. On the website of the university, the faculty is often listed. A dangerous sign is when the source of the information you are looking into doesn't identify the author or creator. Investigate not only the author personally but also the journal or website that published them:
What kind of business are they? University? Non-profit? Advocates' group?
What makes them exist? What's the point of them? (See the Objectives section of this guide for more on that.)
Verify Their Expertise in the Subject At Hand
Additionally, keep in mind that the person who created the information you are researching cannot be an expert in just about everything. They must be well-versed in the subject matter they are discussing. Unexpectedly frequently, this issue is ignored!
While a fitness enthusiast may seem to have a good understanding of various workouts, their credibility is in question if they promote questionable diets without proper nutrition knowledge.
"Before hiring a app developer to build your company's website, it's important to verify their expertise in app development. Look for credentials such as a degree in computer science, relevant certifications, or a portfolio showcasing their past app development projects. By checking their credentials, you can ensure that you are hiring a qualified expert in the subject at hand."
For example: The statement made above can be seen in the attached video as per the India Times. The Hindu Mahasabha organised Gaumutra Party to cure Corona Virus and the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha stated that...
"Whoever consumes cow urine will be fine . . ."
Does cow urine really cure Covid 19? The answer is No. While cow urine might be used in several medicines, it can certainly not cure coronavirus. No such scientific evidence exists. If we critically check the credibility of the organization, it clearly depicts that the Hindu Mahasabha is not a medical organization and does not have any official role in the field of medicine or healthcare.
Can you spot the error?
Another example, Senator Arlen Specter was undoubtedly knowledgeable about a variety of political issues, but when he attempted to use a historical example to convey a political argument, he seemed to be rather out of his own, when he stated that
"We have seen in our historical perspective where Galileo was imprisoned because he believed that the Earth was not flat . . ."
- Senetor Arlen SpecterJuly 17, 2006, Press Conference Regarding Stem Cell Research Legislation
The statement made by Senator Arlen Specter is incorrect, as Galileo was actually persecuted for supporting the heliocentric model of the solar system, which holds that the Earth revolves around the sun, rather than the geocentric model that held that the Earth was the center of the universe. The belief that the Earth was flat was largely a myth, and was not a major point of contention during Galileo's time.
Take a test
Climate change is a complex and controversial topic that has prompted a range of opinions and perspectives. As such, it is important to consider the credentials of the individuals or groups who are discussing this issue. The following are two sites from two different sources that discuss about climate change. Please provide an analysis of two sites discussing climate change by answering the following questions:
Who is the author of each site, and are they an individual or a group?
Which author or group of authors has better credentials to discuss climate change?
By answering these questions, we can gain a better understanding of the expertise and credibility of the individuals or groups discussing climate change on these sites."