Evaluating Websites

Since just about anyone can publish on the web, it is important to be able to assess the usefulness  and relevance of information provided online. Not all websites are of the same value, or necessarily useful to your research.

There are several key questions you can ask about a site:

1.                  Who wrote the page(s)?

2.                  What was their purpose in writing?

3.                  Is the site up-to-date?

4.                  Where does the information come from?

5.                  Is there any bias in the presentation?

6.                  Is there a particular audience in mind?

7.                  Is the site well-presented and organised?

These questions address the issues of authority, audience, currency, accuracy, objectivity and presentation.

AUTHORITY

 Is the author an expert?
 Is the author qualified to present this information?
 Does a reputable organisation back the information?

AUDIENCE

 Is the material aimed at a particular group (age, profession, interest group)?
 Is the language level appropriate to your needs?
 Is the target audience clearly indicated?

CURRENCY

 Is the site frequently/recently updated?
 Are there any deadlinks on the site?
 Is the information out of date?

ACCURACY

 Can you check the reliablilty of the information with another source?
 Is the information factual or opnion?
 Are the sources of information stated?

OBJECTIVITY

 What is the aim of the site?
 Is there any obvious bias in the information and its presentation?
 Is the site just a front for commercial or advertising activity?

PRESENTATION

 Is the site well set out?
 Is it easy to navigate around the site?
 Do all the links work?
 Are the graphics OK or just clutter?

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