Living in the information age and with the prevalence of the Internet, tons of information is quite literally at the tips of our fingers. However, as we are bombarded by thousands of messages a day, it is important to become experts in evaulating the reliability of the websites we use.
In order to judge the accuracy of a website, think about the following six items: the web address, accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage.
I. Read the web address
Do you recognize the domain name? The domain name is found after the http:// and the www. To the first forward slash /. Look for clues as to the quality of information or what the site is about. What is the extension in the domain name?
Some common extensions are the following:
.edu = Educational organization
.k12 = U.S. school site but not all schools use this
.ac = academic institution (outside of U.S.)
.sch = school site (some schools outside of the U.S. use this)
.com = Company
.org = Any organization
.gov = Government agency
.net = network
.mil = military institution
Look carefully at the extensions as some may be more reliable than others. However there not a hard and fast rule. Anyone can purchase a .com, .org, and .net. In addition, .edu and .k12 are tied to educational institutions; however, these pages may house personal web pages form individuals associated with the institution. These personal web pages may not be accurate or reliable. Find out if the site you are on is for commercial or special interests purposes.
II. Accuracy
Anyone can publish anything on the Web and currently no web standards exist to ensure accuracy. Look to see if the information is error-free. Cross check the information you find on the site you are viewing with information from other sites to ensure what you are reading is accurate
III. Authority
Look to see who created the web page or provided the information. Is this person a qualified expert on the subject? Find out who is sponsoring the website. Does this entity have something to gain by propagating this point of view? Look to see if information about the author or sponsor is provided.
IV. Objectivity
The Internet is a great place for people to "stand on a soapbox." Read the website carefully for bias. Bias is to show prejudice or a slanted opinion. Look to see if the author of the website is presenting the information from various standpoints. Is the author trying to sway your opinion? Also look to see if there is advertising on the page. This is a definate clue that creators of the website are trying to get you to act or think in a particular way.
V. Currency
Since there are not standards on the Internet, check to make sure that the information you find is up-to-date. Look for a page date on the website.
VI. Coverage
What topics are covered by the website? Look to see if the website provides comprehensive coverage of the topic you are researching or do you need to supplement the information with additional resources?
