Why Evaluate Web Sources?
Why do we need to evaluate Web sources? Both the Internet and
the Web have a lot to offer when doing research, but we must
remember that not all sources are equally valuable and
reliable! Unlike academic journal articles and books
that go through an editorial process and peer review, anyone
at a computer can make a Web site. The following are some points
to consider when looking at a Web site to determine its usefulness
in your research.
Evaluation Criteria
Authority
- Who publishes this Web page? What
makes them an authority on this subject?
- Are the author’s qualifications
or credentials listed on the document?
- Is the author accredited or endorsed
by a reputable organization?
- Does the article contain references?
- Check what other sites have linked
to this page for ideas of what others think of it. You can
do a "link" search in Google
by typing link:url (putting the
complete url immediately after the colon) in the search box.
- Is complete contact information
for the author or sponsoring organization provided?
Currency/Timeliness
- What is the date on the Web page?
Check for dates indicating when the Web page was written,
first placed on the Web, and last revised.
- How frequently is the Web page
updated?
- Is the content up-to-date?
- How many dead links are on the
page?
Objectivity/Accuracy
- Does the site appear to have a
bias or express undocumented opinions? Is the information
one-sided or subjective; does it appear questionable?
- Is there any advertising on the
page? What is the page advertising? Any advertisements should
be clearly differentiated from the true content of the site.
- Are there any spelling or typographical
errors? Does the format and appearance of the site make it
seem professional and reliable or does the site seem amateurish
and flawed?
- Are sources of information clearly
identified? Sources for any factual information should be
clearly listed so they can be verified in another source.
- Does it match information you
already have on the topic?
- Does an editor check the accuracy
of information on the page?
Content
- Who is the intended audience?
Is the purpose of the site to advertise? Inform? Persuade?
- Is the page complete or is it
still under construction?
- If there is a print equivalent
to the Web page, is there a clear indication of whether the
entire work is available on the Web or only parts of it?
- Is the content useful?
- Is the topic covered thoroughly?
- What time period is covered?
- Is it all images or a balance
of text and images?
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