Evaluating Websites:
Credible Sources Count!
TRUE OR FALSE?
While researching an assignment on the auto
industry, a student found this weird fact on the web.
She's considering using it in her paper:
Chicken feathers can be used in the production
of automobiles.
True or false?
Strange, but TRUE – this fact was reported in:
Martindale, D. (2000). Car parts from chickens. Scientific
American, 282(4), 26.
TRUE OR FALSE?
A student’s friend forwarded him an email warning him
that he should be cautious about eating tropical fruit:
A case of necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease)
has been transmitted by eating bananas from Costa
Rica.
True or false?
FALSE – just because you find
something on the Internet doesn’t
mean it’s true! Sounds scientific, but it was actually a
hoax:
Mikkelson B. & Mikkelson, D.P. Banana Fits (2001). Retrieved June
24, 2004 from http://www.snopes2.com/toxins/bananas.htm
Student Misconceptions
Mother Teresa
This is
research
This is how to search…
This is a source…
This is a reliable source…
http://en.wikipedia.org
Why the 5 W's & one H?
This is the tried and true formula used by police,
journalists, and researchers – Who, What, When,
Where, Why, and How – which can easily be applied in
cyberspace to help identify credible online information
sources.
Ask yourself:
Is there an author identified?
What makes him / her an expert?
Is the author with a reputable
organization?
Can you verify the credentials or
contact information?
Ask yourself:
Is the site intended for a particular
audience?
If there is an issue, are both sides
presented?
Does it provide general or
comprehensive information?
Ask yourself:
What's the point of providing the
information?
Is the information biased or does it push
a specific perspective?
Ask yourself:
Is it clear when the information was
published?
When was it last updated?
If there are links to other websites, do they
work?
Is it important that the information you’re
looking for be absolutely current?
Ask yourself:
Does the site contain advertising?
If there are ads, is there any conflict of
interest between them and the content?
Ask yourself:
Is the site easy to navigate?
Are there obvious signs of errors
or typos?
Can factual information be verified
using other sources?
Final Thoughts…
Always use your critical eye!
We all know that the web is a great place to
find information fast… just remember to consider
the 5 questions first before using what you find
When in doubt, doubt ~ skepticism should be the rule of
thumb on the Net.
In today’s world, we constantly have to be on our toes about
the information we read and hear, whether it be on the web, in
the media, or even at the Library... Double-check your facts
and sources – and then check them some more!
Think first before you choose it!
And always remember …
A good resource does not hide its identity
from the user.
Good luck with your research!