Final answer:
Authority refers to the credibility and accepted power of individuals or organizations responsible for creating website content. It includes the thorough assessment of the author's credentials, affiliations, and the objective presentation of information without undue bias or influence of advertisements. Authority figures are trusted when they are knowledgeable and respected in their respective fields.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term authority refers to the credibility of the person or persons who author and maintain a website. When assessing a website's content, it is important to consider whether the author has the necessary qualifications and background to speak confidently on the subject. Users commonly look for identifiable information about the author, such as their name, affiliation with a recognized organization, listed credentials relevant to the content, and up-to-date contact information. Authority figures are trusted because they are seen as honest, unbiased, well-informed, and clear-headed. Moreover, their statements and demands are generally perceived by the public as reasonable, beneficial, and true.
An author's or organization's authority is often underscored by their reputation for providing reliable and accurate information, the presence of peer-review processes, comprehensive bibliographies, and the lack of obvious bias or advertisement influence. The credibility bestowed upon an author can also be due to their position of accepted power, wherein people agree to accept and follow their guidance due to the respect they command within their field.