To determine whether ADHD information found online is reliable, what is the best course of action?

• A. Read the article and use personal judgment to determine its credibility
• B. Ask colleagues if they have heard of the author
• C. Conduct research to determine whether the research has been published in a peer-reviewed journal
• D. Use a search engine to verify the author's degree in a relevant discipline

Answer: (C)

Evaluating the reliability of online ADHD information hinges on whether the research has been published in a peer‑reviewed journal. The peer‑review process means other experts in the field have evaluated the study’s design, methods, data, and conclusions before publication, providing a check against flawed logic, weak data, or overstated claims. This vetting helps ensure the work meets standards that reduce bias and error. Relying on personal judgment or asking colleagues for general impressions can be helpful for quick impressions, but they don’t verify the study’s rigor. Checking an author’s degree alone doesn’t guarantee trustworthy findings, as credentials don’t ensure quality methodology or conclusions. Therefore, confirming publication in a peer‑reviewed journal is the strongest step to determine credibility. If the material isn’t peer‑reviewed, scrutinize its methods, sample size, and potential conflicts of interest more carefully.