ANYONE can publish on the Web! What you see are a mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Evaluate each website critically before using it for your research.
Use these 5 criteria to evaluate the information you find on a website.
Authority
Accuracy
Unlike traditional information sources where editors or fact checkers are involved, there are no rules on the web.
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Are there obvious errors in grammar or spelling?
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Are there references provided for facts presented?
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Can you verify the facts presented using other sources?
Objectivity
The purpose of a website is usually not clearly stated.
Numerous websites are sponsored by those who want to sway opinion, advertise, or just have fun.
Currency
Often
no dates are provided, or if they are it is not always clear if they
refer to when the site was first published or last revised.
Coverage
Coverage of
a subject can vary depending on the author's intent. It may be brief
or more in depth with links to references. It may actually be a hoax or
a parody.
Now, step back and ask yourself, what is the intent of the website?
Why has this information been put on the web?
Does it all add up?
Is it appropriate for your purpose? Why or why not?
From: http://wssu.libguides.com/content.php?pid=16220