Source Triangulation
Learn to triangulate sources — using multiple independent sources to verify information.
Surveyors use triangulation to pinpoint a location using multiple reference points. Researchers use the same principle: if three independent, reliable sources agree on a fact, you can be much more confident it is true.
What Is Source Triangulation?
Source triangulation means using at least three independent sources to verify important information. The sources should be independent (not citing each other) and from different types (e.g., a peer-reviewed study, a news report, and an expert interview).
Why Three Sources?
One source can be wrong. Two sources might both cite the same original (and possibly flawed) source. Three independent sources that agree provide much stronger evidence. If they disagree, you need to investigate further.
Make sure your sources are truly independent. If three websites all cite the same original study, you really only have one source. Look for sources that reached their conclusions independently.
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3 questions · Grade 4 level