Skip to Main Content

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 (46.74%)
I recognize the author or sponsor as an authority: 32 votes (34.78%)
it is current information: 17 votes (18.48%)
Total Votes: 92

3. Currency

I use a website if...

3. Currency
it has a current date: 47 votes (54.65%)
there is a date on the page: 21 votes (24.42%)
whether it is dated or not: 18 votes (20.93%)
Total Votes: 86

2. Accuracy

I use a website if...

2. Accuracy
I can check the facts: 53 votes (57.61%)
I know much of what is on the site to be true: 19 votes (20.65%)
the information provided seems reasonable: 20 votes (21.74%)
Total Votes: 92

4. Rationale

I don't use a website if...

Rationale
the site seems biased: 5 votes (5.81%)
the site is trying to sell me something: 4 votes (4.65%)
the purpose of the site is unclear: 7 votes (8.14%)
all of the above: 70 votes (81.4%)
Total Votes: 86