vet: to subject to usually expert appraisal or correction; to evaluate for possible approval or acceptance. “vet a manuscript” [Merriam Webster Dictionary]
I have seen people I like and respect post internet links to unreliable sources of information, and they present those sources as “proven facts”. Since I did not learn how to properly vet my sources until I began studying sociology in the fall of 2015, I have decided to share what I have learned.
These four questions can help you determine if a web page or video is a valid source of information.
- Is the page/video part of a peer-reviewed research project?
Peer-reviewed research is research other experts in the field examine with a fine toothed comb to make sure the background information, research methodology, and findings are sound. Sound research can be repeated using the same methodology and will yield the same results. If the findings are not repeatable, the research is not sound and will be rejected by the other experts in the field. Furthermore, no research is brand new: it is all built on the research previously done in that field. If the researcher comes up with entirely new theories with no basis in previous research, their research is faulty from the start. - Does the page/video link to or quote peer-reviewed research?
Carefully examine the sources the creator provided to backup their claims. If those sources are not peer-reviewed research, or if there are no sources quoted, be wary. - Is the page/video created by a reputable organization?
A reputable organization is one with a history of providing reliable information. That can be independent journalism which has stood the test of time, mainstream media, experts in the field whose research and sources have been verified by other experts in the field, and so on. Check the ‘About’ section to see what organization backs the site. - Does the page/video link to or quote reputable organizations?
If the answers to all of these questions are, “No,” be suspicious of any claims the page/video makes. The writers may be telling the truth, but you should do more research using reputable, peer-reviewed sources before believing anything on that site. At the very least, take what is written as the writer’s opinion, not as fact. We are all entitled to our opinions, but we are not entitled to call our opinions facts.
Additional Resources
MSF Orientation: Vetting & Citing Your Sources (Vanderbilt University Library)
Getting Started in Sociology Research: Evaluating Sources (Princeton University Library)
Critically Analyzing Information Sources: Critical Appraisal and Analysis (Cornell University Library)