Which of the following best describes the importance of knowing the author of online sources?

Knowing the author of online sources is crucial because it relates directly to the credibility and authority of the information presented. If the author has expertise, qualifications, or a background relevant to the subject, it increases the likelihood that the content is trustworthy and well-researched. This understanding helps readers assess whether the information is likely to be objective or influenced by personal perspectives, affiliations, or biases. When an author’s credentials are known, it becomes easier to evaluate the potential biases in the work, as well as the reliability of the claims made.

Considering the other options, they do not adequately capture the primary importance of identifying authorship. The length of a source is unrelated to the credibility imparted by author knowledge. The target audience is more reflective of the content's style or complexity rather than its reliability. Graphical representations might enhance understanding but do not provide context about the source's credibility. Thus, recognizing the author is fundamentally about evaluating the validity and potential biases within the information presented.