Lähteolukorrad

Lähteolukorrad denotes the conditions surrounding information sources that shape their credibility and usefulness. It combines provenance (where the information comes from, who authored it), documentation (how the data were collected, recorded, and preserved), access (whether the source is public, restricted, or anonymized), and context (the surrounding circumstances, aims, and audience). The term is used in Estonian information studies and journalism to discuss how these conditions influence evaluation of information.

In journalism and research, examining lähteolukorrad helps assess reliability and identify biases or manipulation opportunities. Key elements include source origin and authorship, the method of data collection, documentation and traceability, potential incentives or conflicts of interest, and the surrounding context, including time sensitivity and platform.

Practical use involves verifying by cross-checking with corroborating sources, seeking primary documents, checking metadata, and reviewing how the information has been altered or translated. Media literacy programs teach learners to analyze lähteolukorrad to judge credibility rather than accept information at face value.

Limitations include that assessment depends on available metadata and analyst expertise; different disciplines have different standards; overemphasis on provenance can dismiss legitimate sources; not all useful information has transparent provenance. The concept serves as a framework for critical evaluation rather than a definitive measure of truth.

See also: information literacy, source criticism, provenance, fact-checking.