Which practice describes reading a source to verify its credibility by examining the author and surrounding citations?

• A. Vertical Reading
• B. Source Triangulation
• C. Media Creator
• D. Digital Footprint

Answer: (A)

Evaluating credibility by examining who wrote the piece and the sources it cites is best understood through vertical reading, which means reading with attention to how the argument is built and what evidence supports it. When you read this way, you look at the author’s qualifications, affiliations, and potential biases, and you trace the citations to see if they come from reliable, credible sources. If the author is credible and the cited works are solid—such as peer‑reviewed studies, respected experts, or primary sources—the piece is more trustworthy. On the other hand, weak or missing citations, questionable authors, or questionable sources in the references signal caution about the credibility of the content. This approach helps you verify information by following the evidence rather than taking it at face value.