Searching the Internet makes it easy to find information on almost any topic. For researchers, identifying if the information is reliable, up-to-date, and unbiased can be an issue. This tutorial will help you identify which websites have credible information.
Criteria for Evaluation
When trying to decide if a source is sufficient for your topic, there are a number of things to consider. Questions to ask yourself include:
Currency
Just because the webpage has been updated recently, does not mean that all of the information on the webpage has necessarily been updated. Cross-reference the information with other sources.
Is the information up-to-date?
Accuracy
Current information is more likely to be accurate, but not always. Even if it is current, be sure to cross-reference the information with other sources.
Is the information accurate?
Coverage
Be sure the source has the kind of coverage of the topic that you want before you decide to use it.
Does the website cover the topic thoroughly? Is it comprehensive?
If not, are there other sources that can be used to fill gaps in coverage?
Authority
Depending upon how you are using this information, you want to be sure that the author is a credible and reliable source of information in the field.
Who authored the content on the web page? Are credentials listed?
Are they an expert in the field? Does the author need to be an expert in the field?
Host
The author is not always the host of the website. When evaluating for authority, pay attention to the website host or sponsor in addition to the actual author.
Is the host a reputable organization or individual?
Objectivity
If you are going to use a source that is biased, make sure that the position reflected is supported by ample evidence. You also want to acknowledge any bias in your paper or article.
Does the information reflect author(s) bias?
If the author(s) has a position, is it well reasoned, argued, and supported by empirical evidence?
Relevancy
You may find something to be interesting, but make sure it has a place in your main argument.
Is the information related to the topic you are researching?
Ads
If the website has many ads, you may not want to use it as a source. The information may be accurate and authoritative, but the appearance may undermine credibility. Many people might think the information is biased, even if it is not.
What will your instructor or readers think of this website?
Do advertisements for commercial products and services skew the information source?
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