What is attribution in reporting?

• A. Attribution is naming the source of information; it increases transparency and credibility
• B. Attribution is giving a byline to the author
• C. Attribution is marking the date of publication
• D. Attribution is paraphrasing quotes

Answer: (A)

Attribution in reporting means naming the source of the information used in a story. It adds transparency and credibility because readers can see where facts or quotes came from and judge the reliability or potential biases of those sources. By clearly tying statements to a specific person, organization, or document, the report shows accountability and makes verification possible. Attribution can involve direct quotes or paraphrased information, but the key is that the source is identified and the context is clear (for example, whether the source is giving information on the record). This practice helps prevent misrepresentation and lets readers assess the reliability of what they’re reading. Giving a byline to the author is about who wrote the piece, marking the publication date is about when it was published, and paraphrasing quotes is a writing choice; none of these alone captures the essential act of linking information to its source.