Källkritisk

Källkritisk denotes an approach to information that aims to assess the trustworthiness of sources by examining origin, authorship, context and purpose. It is a central concept in journalism, history, education, and research, where accurate and reliable information is essential.

Core principles of källkritik include provenance, credibility, bias, relevance and timeliness. Practitioners check who produced the information, their possible motives, the intended audience, and whether claims are supported by independent evidence. The method also involves considering the nature of the source (primary or secondary), the presence of corroboration, and the surrounding context that may affect interpretation.

The typical process in källkritik involves tracing a claim back to its source, evaluating the authority and track record of the producer, seeking independent verification, and assessing the date and surrounding circumstances. It also entails noting gaps, ambiguities, or conflicting information and acknowledging when certainty is limited.

In practice, källkritik is taught as part of media literacy and critical thinking in education, guiding students and citizens to scrutinize information encountered in newspapers, online platforms, and social media. In professional settings such as journalism and academia, källkritik informs verification workflows, source evaluation, and the interpretation of evidence.

Limitations exist, as source criticism cannot guarantee truth and may be challenged by incomplete or biased sources, evolving information, or deliberate deception. Nonetheless, källkritik remains a fundamental tool for evaluating claims in a complex information landscape.