Web Site Evaluation

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Ask yourself the following questions when evaluating an information source.

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Relevance
 Is this information appropriate for your research?

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Authority
Is the author identified? 
Is the author qualified? 
Who is the publisher?

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Accuracy
Is the information reliable and error free?
Can this information be confirmed by an additional source?
Does the author cite his/her source of information?

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Objectivity
Does the information appear biased?
Are opinions expressed?
Does the information presented attempt to influence opinion?

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Currency
When was this information published?
Is the information up-to-date?

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Coverage
What topics are covered?
How detailed is the information?

bulletBEWARE!  ANYONE can publish on the Web!  

bullet Look for clues in the address.  Do you know what  .com  .gov   .edu   and  .mil  mean?   
bulletHmmm...these sites look good, or do they?
www.dhmo.org
www.epa.gov

bulletWho Wrote this stuff?
www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html#Geo

www.history.rochester.edu/class/ugrr/home.html

bulletYou Decide:  Are these good sources for information about the effect of alcohol on the human body?

Group 1: www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/harm-al.htm

Group 2: faculty.washington.edu/chudler/alco.html

Group 3: www.health.org/govpubs/PH323

 

Roger Ludlowe Middle School, Fairfield, CT     Cheryl Beatty, Webmaster  Return to Virtual Library   
Note: The Fairfield Public School District is not responsible for any information or content provided by websites beyond this site.