What characterizes a credible newspaper as a source?

• A. Online newspapers are always credible; no verification needed.
• B. Reputable newspapers have established editorial standards and accountability; check author credentials and date.
• C. Print newspapers are never credible; online only is credible.
• D. Credibility is not important for high school research.

Answer: (B)

A credible newspaper is defined by established editorial standards and accountability. Reputable outlets publish reporting that is fact-checked, clearly attributed to identifiable authors, and dated so you know how current the information is. They have editors who oversee content, a transparent corrections policy, and evidence or sources for their claims. Checking the author’s credentials and the publication date helps you verify that the reporting meets these practices and isnures you’re using trustworthy information.

Online sources aren’t automatically credible, and print versus online isn’t what determines trustworthiness—it's whether the publication adheres to these standards. Credibility matters in high school research because you need reliable, verifiable information to support your understanding and arguments. When evaluating a newspaper, look for clear authorship, a date, evidence or cited sources, and a stated corrections policy, all of which signal accountability.