Evaluating Sources on the World Wide Web

Research attempted on the World Wide Web must be evaluated for reliability and timeliness. Just because it appears on the web does not mean a site contains reputable information.

Bottom-line, be skeptical!!!  

• Try to determine the author. Who created this site?       

• Have you ever heard of the writer?
• Is biographical information provided?
• Is there a way to contact the author for more information?
• Be suspicious of anonymous sources!

• Who published the site?
  
  • Does the site exist in the real world? If not, can you find out more information about it?
  • Check URL (electronic address) for clues.
    
  • Access www.allwhois.com, a site that provides ownership-of-site information.

• What is the point of view?
  
  • There is nothing wrong with espousing a specific point of view, many sources do so, but you do need to be aware of biases when conducting research.

• How current is the information?

• To what other sites does a given site link?
  
  • Can you discern a bias?

• Seek validation from mainstream sources. Using a range of sources, not just the Internet, will give you a broad and reliable picture of your topic.

JH 1/2000