BOTTOM LINE: Is there are AUTHOR? Is there a DATE ?
IF NO: find another source.
Evaluating Information Sources
It’s important to choose sources which are accurate, authoritative, recent and show no bias. All Information on the Internet needs to be evaluated as websites can post information without checking it’s true.
Also, it is vital to select ones that you can understand.
Use this checklist to assess whether your webpage can be used.
Webpage Title:…………………………………………………………….
Url:......................................................................................................
|
Authoritative? Who is the Author? |
Yes |
No |
|
Is there an author? Or publisher or organisation identified? |
1 |
|
|
Is the author an expert? Look for About. |
1 |
|
|
Is the authors education shown? |
1 |
|
|
Can you contact the author? |
1 |
|
|
Content. Can I trust the information is accurate? |
||
|
Is the purpose of the site clearly stated? |
1 |
|
|
Is the site an .edu, .gov, .org domain? |
1 |
|
|
Is the site persuading you to think or believe in a certain way? |
|
1 |
|
Does the site have advertising that may influence content? |
|
1 |
|
Is the site based on fact? Are the sources for text /graphics cited? |
1 |
|
|
Is the information consistent with other sources of information? |
1 |
|
|
Do all the links work? |
1 |
|
|
Date? Is the date of the page was created shown? Last Update? |
1 |
|
|
Readership. Is this article right for me? |
||
|
Is the text easy to read? |
1 |
|
|
Can you understand it? |
1 |
|
|
Easy it easy to move around the site? |
1 |
|
If your total equals:
13-15 This is good site, it’s ok to use
10-12 This site maybe ok, consider using other sources
0-9 Not a good site, find another source