Evaluate source provenance and independence
Course overview · 4 min reading + 12 min practice, estimated
Principles and method
Ask who created a source, how they know, why it exists and when it was last updated. Several websites repeating one announcement are not independent corroboration. Distinguish publication date from the date of the event described. Screenshots can lose context and links can change, so retain sufficient permitted reference information to explain the claim. A primary source can still be mistaken or selective. Where a claim is contested, seek a source with direct knowledge and document the disagreement rather than counting links as votes.
Worked example
Three articles repeat the same press release about a new office. They support one originating announcement, not three independently confirmed operational openings. A later company update says the opening was delayed.
Put it into practice
Map the provenance of four fictional sources and identify which are independent.
Use fictional information and keep your work in your own notes.
Compare your approach: self-review guidance
Show the original source and downstream repetitions. Use the later direct update for current status while preserving the earlier historical announcement. Explain what remains unconfirmed.
Sources and further reading
Original Academy teaching and fictional examples. These references provide context, not endorsement. Edition 2026.09; updated 2026-09-24.
- CIPD: Recruitment
Professional context for the recruitment lifecycle.
- ICO: Recruitment and selection
UK guidance. Check its current status and updates before implementation.