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The web is a great information resource. There is so much available, you can usually find some information on your topic. However, because anyone can put anything on the web, you need to be very careful when using web sources. Use the following checklist to help you determine the reliability of the information you find on a website: |
ACCURACY
Is the information reliable and correct?
AUTHORITY
Is there an author? What are his or her qualifications? What is the sponsoring organization? Is it reputable?
Hint: Look for links providing information about the author and his or her e-mail address. Check for "about us" or "philosophy" sections for information about the organization.
OBJECTIVITY
Does the website show a bias? What is the purpose of the site? To sell, to inform, to persuade? Is there advertising?
CURRENCY
Does the site include the dates it was created and updated? How current are the links? Have you expired or moved?
Consider whether currency is especially important for the research topic.
COVERAGE
How does the site compare with other sites on this topic? Is the material covered in-depth or just superficially?