EVALUATING INTERNET RESOURCES

 

When evaluating internet websites, ask yourself:  Who? What?  Where? When? Why?  And How?

 

Who is the intended audience of the page, based on its content, tone and style?  Is the content scholarly? Is author identifiable? Are there references/bibliographies?

What is the point of providing the information? If there is an issue, are both sides presented? Does it provide general or comprehensive information? Is the information biased or does it push a specific perspective?

Where did I get the information from?  Was it from an educational, government, commercial, organization or network website?

Why is the information needed? Is it consistent with your needs? Does the site contain advertising? If there are ads, is there any conflict of interest between them and the content?

When was the information published?  When was the last update? If there are links to other websites, do they work?

How about navigating the site?  Was it easy or difficult? Are there obvious signs of error or typos? Can factual information be verified using other sources?

 

OTHER CREDIBLE SOURCES (PRINT AND ONLINE)

Government Departments/Agencies - information is available in various formats.

Media- newspapers, DVD's, television - be sure to verify information with another source.

Specialized Encyclopedias/Dictionaries

Books/Journals/Magazines

 

EVALUATING INFORMATION

Is it suitable for your purposes?

Is it a popular magazine, scholarly or trade journal?

Is the date of publication (article or book) appropriate for your needs?

Does the material update other sources, support other materials you have read or add new information?

If there is an author, what are the qualifications? Think about educational background, past writings and experience.  Who is the publisher?

What is the author's purpose in writing? To inform or to persuade?

Who is the intended audience the author is addressing?  Is it aimed at a specialized audience or general audience?

How was the information obtained?

Is the information organized logically?  Are the main points presented clearly?  Is the author repetitive?

Is the information factual, opinion or propaganda? Can it be verified?

Opinions are developed from the interpretation of facts.  Is the author's point of view objective and impartial or is it biased?

Are the author's conclusions or facts supported with references?

Are there footnotes or a bibliography?

Is the work a primary or secondary source?

How do critical reviews rate the work?