Evaluate Web Sites...
Use these handy steps
Step 1: AUTHORITY
Who authored the site?
- If you can't find an author of the site or information about the organization that sponsors the site, it is not trustworthy.
- Look for authorship information in links called "About Us" or "Contact" if you can't find it on the home page.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Step 2: CURRENCY
When was the information updated?
- Many good sites have a "last updated" date at the bottom of a main page or the "About Us" page.
- You might also find a current copyright date (also usually at the bottom of a page). Though this isn't important for every subject you are researching, it becomes extremely important when you are researching science, technology or current events (such as politics).
- Also, sites that say they contain directories of other web resources should be updated frequently. The links they list can become inactive or can contain information they don't think is useful anymore.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Step 3: BIAS and ACCURACY
Is the organization or author biased? Did they do their homework?
- Remember, anyone can post information on a web site. They can make it look authoritative, even if it isn't and they can say whatever they want whether it is true or not.
- Avoid using resources where the author or organization publishing the information is unknow.
- Always check your facts with other resources.
- There are some sites out there that are purposely designed to fool students. Their information is inaccurate at best and extremely biased at worst.
- Also, be sure to get a balanced view. If someone who is posting a web site has a very strong opinion about a particular subject, try to find another opinion and check your facts.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Step 4: USEFULLNESS
Is the site helpful? Is it organized?
- Can you locate the information that you need easily?
- Would you recommend the site to someone else?
When in doubt, throw it out.
A Really Misleading, Inaccurate and downright Biased Web Site :
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A True Historical Examination
What about this one? Palestine Facts
Or this? Iraq - still a nuclear threat
Class Activity:
Directions:
Choose one of the web sites below. Use the four steps to evaluate the site. Determine whether or not it can be trusted and/or used for a research project. Be sure to have clear reasons for your decision.
Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus
HOMEWORK: Choose a web site that might work for your topic and use the Web Site Evaluation Form to decide whether you should or should not recommend your site for research. You can download a copy of the worksheet here: The Good, The Bad and the Really, Really Bad