How can you know whether the information you have found on the web is accurate, reliable, or even true? There
are many clues and tips you can use when looking at a web page that you can use to evaluate its quality. Although
it can sometimes be difficult to assess exactly who is making the information available, or how reliable it really
is, asking these questions can help:
| Authority |
- Who created this web site?
- Do they provide information on their background, experience, and credentials?
- Is the site maintained by a well-known or reputable organization (e.g. the American Psychological Association,
American Cancer Society, etc)?
|
| Accuracy |
- Do you see typos?
- Do they cite the source of their claims and information?
- Are the facts that are known to you reliable?
|
| Objectivity |
- Is the coverage objective? If not, is the bias clearly stated?
- Is the site sponsored by a commercial organization? Is it trying to sell you something?
|
| Currency |
- Does the web site give a date when it was last updated?
- If so, has it been updated recently?
- Is some of the information clearly out of date?
- Are there many links that are broken and no longer connect to the resources listed? Broken links can be an
indicator that a web site is not being updated regularly.
|
| Coverage |
- Who is the intended audience? Is this site for scholarly purposes or just for fun?
- Are both sides of an issue or topic provided?
- What geographical area is covered?
- What time period is covered?
- Is this the original document or has it been edited or abridged in some way?
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