What does the term 'author expertise' refer to when evaluating sources?

The term 'author expertise' is primarily concerned with assessing the qualifications and credibility of the person who produced the content. This involves checking the author's credentials, such as their educational background, professional affiliations, and relevant experiences that contribute to their authority on the subject matter. Additionally, examining citations and past publications helps establish how frequently the author has engaged with the topic and their contributions to the field, which is vital for determining the reliability of the information.

Understanding the author's expertise is essential in evaluating sources, as it helps ensure that the information provided is trustworthy and backed by appropriate scholarly or professional experience. This critical evaluation is particularly important in academic and research contexts where factual accuracy and authority significantly impact the quality of work.