'Authority is Constructed'
In academic work, it is essential to critically evaluate sources and rely on authoritative materials to support your research, assignments, or projects. Authority refers to the credibility and expertise of a source, typically determined by the author, publisher, or the institution behind the information. It reflects whether a source is reliable and trustworthy for academic purposes, often based on the author’s qualifications and professional reputation.
For example, peer-reviewed journal articles are widely regarded as authoritative because their authors possess the necessary academic credentials. These authors gather data using academically approved methods, such as experiments, archival research, case studies or surveys, and their work undergoes rigorous peer evaluation before publication.
When assessing sources, it's important to make informed decisions based on established criteria. Ask yourself: Does the source incorporate both primary and secondary evidence? Is the evidence convincing and does it effectively support the argument? What are the author's qualifications? Is there any indication of subjectivity or bias?
Information Literacy
Being information literate also involves recognising the assumptions that authors make and assessing the subjectivity of their arguments. It's important to understand that authority is shaped by broader societal contexts, including cultural worldviews, gender, and sexual orientation. Many scholarly texts, particularly older ones, may reflect the prevailing biases and limitations of their time. Terms and language once deemed acceptable may now be considered offensive, exclusionary, or harmful, especially regarding race, gender, disability, or cultural identity. It's crucial to approach these texts with awareness and critical thinking.
Another critical aspect in evaluating sources is considering the role of privilege and positionality. Authority is contextual—it depends on the circumstances and environment in which the information is produced. Therefore, it’s not just the credentials of the author that matter, but also the broader context in which the information was created.
Useful resource
Good practice in developing information skills
- What is authoritative content?
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Recognise that authoritative content may be presented formally or informally and may include sources of different media types.
- Questioning scholarly standards
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Understand that many disciplines have acknowledged authorities in the sense of well-known scholars and publications that are deemed “standard;” however, some scholars would challenge the authority of these sources.
Authority may be conferred or manifested in unexpected ways.
Be aware of the importance of assessing content with a sceptical stance and with a self-awareness of your own biases and worldview.
Possible research outcomes
Authority isn't fixed; it is shaped by the situation and who you are talking to. This means that what counts as a credible source in one discipline or setting might not hold the same weight in another. For instance:
Authority might come from peer-reviewed research and institutional affiliation.
Oral histories and lived experience may be equally or more authoritative within that community.
Authority might be shaped by influence, reach, or personal experience rather than formal credentials.
Always ask yourself: who is speaking, why are they trusted, does that trust hold in a given context?
Useful resource:
Eleni Borompoka, July 2025