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Basic Research Strategies: Web Evaluation

Website Evaluation

There is no editor or fact-checker on the web.  You must use your evaluation skills to decide:    

 

WHO- can you determine  the author or sponsor?

WHAT- is  the information accurate ?

WHEN- what is the date of the posting or last revision?

WHERE- is it coming from a reputable site such as .gov or .edu?

WHY- was it posted to inform and educate or to sell a product or idea?

1. Authority

I use a website if...

1. Authority
it has the information I need: 43 votes (47.25%)
I recognize the author or sponsor as an authority: 31 votes (34.07%)
it is current information: 17 votes (18.68%)
Total Votes: 91

3. Currency

I use a website if...

3. Currency
it has a current date: 47 votes (55.29%)
there is a date on the page: 20 votes (23.53%)
whether it is dated or not: 18 votes (21.18%)
Total Votes: 85

2. Accuracy

I use a website if...

2. Accuracy
I can check the facts: 52 votes (57.14%)
I know much of what is on the site to be true: 19 votes (20.88%)
the information provided seems reasonable: 20 votes (21.98%)
Total Votes: 91

4. Rationale

I don't use a website if...

Rationale
the site seems biased: 5 votes (5.88%)
the site is trying to sell me something: 4 votes (4.71%)
the purpose of the site is unclear: 6 votes (7.06%)
all of the above: 70 votes (82.35%)
Total Votes: 85