How Source Expertise and Source Age Influence Younger and Older Adults’ Source Evaluation

• In Event: Complex Processes When Evaluating and Engaging With Multiple Sources and Texts

Abstract

While source expertise is a primary dimension for evaluating source credibility when acquiring information, the age of the source, which can be influenced by attitudes toward age groups, is also important to consider. In this study, we examined the effects of source expertise and source age on younger and older adults’ source evaluation, including perceived credibility and intentions to use and share recommendations from sources. Results suggest that source age functions as an additional dimension to source expertise in both younger and older adults. Participants perceived older sources as more credible and were willing to use recommendations from them, particularly when they were also of high expertise. Regarding the intention to share, participants prioritized source expertise over source age.

Authors

• Yewon Kang, University of Minnesota

• Panayiota Kendeou, University of Minnesota