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Authority is contextual. Just because an individual is an expert in one field doesn't give them authority in other fields. Similarly, one's rhetorical and political goals may strengthen, undermine, or otherwise impact the authority and trustworthiness of their data. One way to determine the extent of the authority and identify potential biases is to compare what different sources have to say on the same topic. This is called lateral reading.

Evaluate your answer with a peer or other sources.

1. Evaluate information for accuracy, validity, importance, and bias
2. Collaborate to broaden and deepen understanding

Lateral reading is a difficult skill to master, so it's best to model it to students before encouraging them to try it for themselves. Also consider including lateral reading exercises as part of class time, where students work in small groups to compare multiple documents.

The Digital Inquiry Group has created a series of posters highlighting aspects of lateral reading, which may help guide classroom discussion.