Evaluating Websites
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This document provides guidance on evaluating the credibility and reliability of information found online. It lists several criteria for evaluation, including checking for up-to-date information, dead links, author credentials, sources and evidence cited, date of creation vs update, biases, and organizational structure. Sample questionable websites are provided to test the evaluation skills. Key differences between freely accessible websites and subscription databases are outlined.
Evaluating Websites
- 3. CNN Is the information on the page up-to-date? Can you tell when the page was last updated? Are there dead links? Is there a difference between the date the information was created and the date the page was last updated?
- 4. Crop Circle Connection Is the content appropriate for your classroom or your assignment? Is the content relevant to your topic or question?
- 5. Monsanto Who wrote/published the content on this website? Can you find their name? Biography? Contact information? Can you find them named or referenced at other sites on the web or in print? Do they have the credentials to be authoritative? Check the URL type
- 6. Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division Is the content accurate, complete, well-written? Where does the information in the content come from? Is it supported by evidence/additional links/sources? Can it be triangulated--found two or three other places on the web?
- 7. Urban Institute Why was this website created/written/published? Can I identify its bias? If there are advertisements, do they interfere with your ability to use the page? Is the information clearly presented? Are the pages well organized? Are there mistakes in spelling or word usage?
- 8. Test Sites: All About Explorers Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division California’s Velcro Crop Under Challenge Feline Reactions to Bearded Men Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie British Stick Insect Foundation The Jackalope Conspiracy Buy Dehydrated Water Republic of Molossia Dog Island
- 9. Websites vs. Databases What’s the difference? Databases are usually collections of articles from a variety of sources that have been written and peer reviewed by scholars. Databases are not accessible to the general public without a paid subscription usually through a library or school. Websites are free and open to the public. Anyone can create a webpage about any subject, whether or not they are an expert. Wikipedia ◦ Wikipedia is an open access encyclopedia that anyone can contribute to and edit. It’s best to use Wikipedia to gather key words and people at the beginning of your research, but it cannot be cited as an academic source.