Evaluating Websites
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Why do I need to evaluate a website?
When beginning a research project, many students will Google their topic or look it up on Wikipedia to get background information. As you probably know, Wikipedia isn't a reliable source because you do not know who is editing or contributing to its content. What about the sites you found on Google? How do you know they are reliable? When looking at a site that you retrieve from Google, use the following criteria to help you decide whether or not it is credible and worthy of inclusion in your paper:
- Accuracy
- Authority
- Objectivity
- Currency
- Coverage
Accuracy
WHO sponsors the page? The name and email address of the organization should be obvious.
- Check to see who wrote the web page and the author's qualifications for writing on this topic. You may need to use a biographical source or online directory.
- Educational institutions and government pages are considered more accurate than a .com. The URL address ends in .edu or .gov. A ~ [tilde] in the URL generally means the web page is personal, for example, faculty at a university.
Authority
Are the sources for any factual information clearly listed so they can be verified?
- Use reference books to check facts. Grammatical, spelling and typographical errors may indicate sloppy work.
- Graphs or tables are easy to read. Are sources clear?
Objectivity
Is the information provided as a public service by a respected organization?
- Is there a particular viewpoint? Could some information be biased?
- Is it trying to sell a product? Check to see if there is any advertising on the web page. Sometimes paid ads are placed on pages in return for hosting a site.
- Is informational content distinguishable from advertising?
Currency
When was the page written?
- When the web page was placed on the web, updated or revised?
- Could you find more current information in another source?
Coverage
Is there an indication that the page is complete and is not still under construction?
- Check to see if this is part of a print version or the entire work.
- Check to see if this is a sample of a piece of work.
Links and Additional Info
Still not sure? ASK A LIBRARIAN! We are here to help you!
Visit these sites for more information:
Critical Evaluation of Resources
Evaluating Information Found on the Internet
Information and Its Counterfeits: Propaganda, Misinformation and Disinformation
ICYouSee:T is for Thinking - A Guide to Critical Thinking About What You See on the Web
The Internet Detective
