Evaluating Sources: Web Sites

What makes books, articles, and other sources useful and how to evaluate them.
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Evaluating Web Sites

The Web has little quality control and critical evaluation of internet sites is crucial. Some criteria to use when examining a Web site are:

Authority

  • Is the document author or site sponsor clearly identified?
  • Does the site provide contact information for the author or sponsor?

Objectivity or clear disclosure of advocacy

  • Is the site's purpose clear (for example, to inform, entertain or persuade)
  • Is the site explicit about declaring its point of view?
  • Does the site indicate whether it is directed toward a specific audience?

Coverage

  • Are the topics covered by the site clear?
  • Does the site exhibit a suitable depth and comprehensiveness for its purpose?
  • Is sufficient evidence provides to support the ideas and options presented?

Accuracy

  • Are the sources of information stated?
  • Do the facts appear to be accurate?
  • Can you verify this information by comparing this source with other sources in the field?

Currency

  • Are the dates included in the website?
  • Is the information current, or at least still relevant for the site's purpose? For you purpose?

 

Criteria list taken in whole from:
Ramage, Bean and Johnson. The Allyn and Becon Guide to Writing. 5th Ed. Customized for Marquette University. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc., 2009. Print.