English 1C - Vodanovich: Evaluating Sources

Since information on the web can be created by anyone and because many sites do not go through a formal screening process, it is important to evaluate the websites you use for credibility, and authority, and accuracy. It is not always easy to determine if information on the World Wide Web is credible. The following criteria can help you to determine the quality of the information you find on the web. 

 Authority & Credibility: The source of the information        

• Who is the author of this page?
• What are their credentials? Are they affiliated with an institution?
• What are the author's qualifications to write on this topic? 
• Does the site display this information? Contact information is given? 
• What does the URL reveal about the page? 
  • .org  -- a non-profit organization 
  • .edu -- educational institution 
  • .gov -- government organization 
  • .com -- commercial site 

 Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content       

• Is the information supported by evidence? Is the evidence cited? 
• It's always a good idea to cross-reference information no matter where you find it.
• Do graphics add or detract from the content? Is there inflammatory content?
• Is the information complete or fragmented?

Objectivity: The reason the information exists      

• What is the purpose of this page? To inform? Persuade? Sell? Entertain? Rant? 
• Does the author state the goals for this site?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• If the author is affiliated with an institution (government, university, business, etc.), does this affiliation bias the information presented? 

 Currency: The timeliness of the information     

• When was this page created?  Is there a revision/creation date?
• Do the links work?
• Is the page maintained and up-to-date?

Coverage & Relevancy: The importance of the information for your needs   

• Is the information is adequately covered on this website?
• How does this information compare the information with information found on other websites
• How does this information compare with information you would find in print sources (books, journals, reports)?  
• Does the site provide more references, more contacts?

For more tips see: 
The Georgetown University Library [Guide] Evaluating Internet Resources - 
http://www.library.georgetown.edu/tutorials/research-guides/evaluating-internet-content  

Evaluating Websites and Other Sources

Consider...

• Who is the author?
• Why was it written -- for what purpose, organization, or audience?
• When was it written?
• Does it include references or a works cited list?

If you cannot determine the credibility of the information you are using, especially from a website, it's best not to use it to factually support your argument. Using biased or inaccurate information in your paper can negatively impact your grade.