Final answer:
In academic research, it is vital to critically evaluate sources, differentiate between personal communications and published works, and correctly cite information. Proper citation techniques should be used, especially when the author is unknown, and common knowledge does not require citation. Assessing a source's credibility involves reading laterally and understanding its electronic paper trail.
Step-by-step explanation:
When conducting academic research, it is essential to evaluate sources critically to determine their credibility and relevance. Personal communications, such as emails or interviews, are not publicly accessible, hence they should be cited only within the text and not in the reference list.
For published works, it is crucial to research the author to ascertain whether they are an expert or might have biases that could influence the work.
Consider also the context in which information is presented, seeking out multiple sources to avoid relying on those that may omit or gloss over important information.
When an author is unknown, proper citation practices involve using the work's title while adhering to the appropriate formatting such as quotation marks for articles and italics for book or journal titles. Common knowledge, which comprises information widely known by the general audience, does not require citation, but more specific or less known information must be properly attributed to avoid plagiarism.
Overall, determining the reliability of information gathered online involves using search tools and reading laterally to understand the electronic paper trail. This may include looking at critiques of the website or investigating further about the authors through trusted and authoritative sources.