Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Websites

The internet is a great starting place to search for information on your topic. But, because there is so much information out there and anyone can put anything on the web, you need to learn how to evaluate your sources.

You can use the following checklist to help you to determine the reliability of the information you find on a website:

 

ACCURACY

  • Is the information reliable and correct?
  • Is there an editor who verifies the information?

 

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 email address. Check for "about us," "philosophy," etc. for information about the organization.

 

OBJECTIVITY

  • Does the website show a bias?
  • Is there advertising on the page? 
  • What is the purpose of the site? To sell, to inform, to persuade?

 

CURRENCY

  • Does the site include the dates it was created and updated?
  • How current are the links? Have any expired or moved?

Consider if currency is especially important for the research topic.

 

COVERAGE

  • How does the site compare with other sites on this topic?
  • Is material covered in depth rather than superficially?

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