Final answer:
A credible source is characterized by being published by a government agency, which implies a level of scrutiny and expertise. Credible nonacademic sources provide valuable information, often more accessible than peer-reviewed academic sources. Maintaining objectivity and awareness of bias are also crucial for establishing the credibility of a source.
Step-by-step explanation:
One reason that this is a credible source is option 2: This research study was published by a government agency. Government publications are generally considered credible because they are subject to scrutiny and are often authored by experts in the field. In particular, studies and data released by government agencies have undergone rigorous verification checks and are expected to be reliable. Furthermore, a government agency does not typically have a commercial interest that might influence the data, adding to the source's objectiveness and trustworthiness.
Credible nonacademic sources such as these are important for research as they can provide current information that may not yet be peer-reviewed. These sources tend to offer a broader perspective and sometimes provide more accessible content than academic sources. In contrast to sources with subjective language or bias, those that present statistics and examples in a neutral and unemotional way maintain a greater level of credibility.
However, it's also essential to be aware of potential bias by a selection of sources, especially in news articles or secondary publications. An objective stance is key for a source to be deemed credible, as it builds ethos with readers by demonstrating a lack of bias.