Web Page Evaluation Criteria: separating fact from fiction

Web Page Evaluation Criteria

Separating fact from fiction

Can You Trust Information You Find on the Internet?
Lack of quality control is one of the drawbacks of the Internet. This means that anyone who has a computer connected to the Internet and wants to make his/her information or opinion available can "publish" on the Web. Because there are no restrictions, guidelines, or review processes for contributions to the Web, the quality, accuracy, validity, and authority of the contributed information varies wildly.

Not all web sites are equally valuable or credible.

Apply your critical thinking skills to judge usefulness, validity and reliability of the information you uncover.
The following criteria are a set of questions and/or principles that act as a benchmark to evaluate information.

1. Coverage

Is it appropriate for your topic?

Relevant
Do the topics covered include your topic? Does the page cover a variety of (too many) topics or is it focused on one relevant topic?
Adequate
Does the page information adequately cover your topic: is it too general or too detailed?
Audience appropriate
Is the content intended for children, scholars, general public? Was the page written to inform, educate, entertain (parody).
Primary or secondary account (original or synthesized?)
Does the page offer original (primary) information not covered elsewhere? Is this page a synthesis of other people's (secondary) accounts / writings? Is this the best page to cite, or does another page contain/summarize this information and present it in a better way?

2. Authority on the Topic

Who is responsible for the site?

Author of site
Is there an author named on the page? Is the author qualified?
If not, then . . .
Sponsor of site
Is there a sponsor? Is the sponsor qualified? (i.e. Is there an "about us" or "our mission" link?)
If not, then . . .
Link or contact Information
Is the author or sponsor's name, e-mail, postal address listed?
If not, then . . .
Clues to page's origin
Is there any other way to determine the page's author(s)? (header, footer, URL or domain name?) Is the URL associated with a university or reputable organization? Does the domain name indicate .edu → educational institution; .org → non-profit organization; .gov → governmental body? (Useful for determining origin only. Reputable information can also be found on: .com → commercial enterprise; .net → Internet )

3. Objectivity

Is the purpose of the site clear, including any particular viewpoint?

Bias
Does the page/site show minimal signs of bias: political, ideological, personal, or cultural?
Intent
Does the page present factual information or is it designed to sway opinion?
Influence
If the site is sponsored or underwritten by advertising, is the writing free of bias supporting the sponsor?

4. Accuracy

Is the information accurate?

Factual
Does the author give factual information?
Documented / well-researched
Does the author cite his/her sources? Is the research methodology explained?
Subject to verification
Can the information be verified by additional resources in print on on the Web?
Corroborated
Are links and resource citations included (possibly using MLA citation format.)
Collaborative
Is a committee or editor named who reviews the content or verifies facts.

5. Currency

Is the information current?

Date-stamped
Is there a "last updated" notation or evidence of recent changes?
If not, then . . .
Seemingly current
Does the information seem current to you? Do news events, conference events or any bits information lead you to believe the page has been updated recently?
If not, then . . .
Linked currently
Are the links still working? Do pages turn up with "this site has moved" or "page not found"?