Evaluating the Quality of Information Found on the Internet

Created by Liza Zandonella, Library Media Specialist

Start With a Reliable Source  Databases offer a wide variety of resources, originally in print, having passed rigorous editorial review, are referenced  Websites not always active, current or updated, some of questionable quality, subject to misinformation, bias, etc.

 Databases geared directly toward curriculum

Use Good Search Strategies      Don’t guess at a URL Use search engines Watch spelling Use keywords associated with topic Syntax (quotes around phrases, etc.)

Wikipedia(mania) 

Pros…in a perfect world

 User friendly  Some entries written by experts in field  References cited  External links for more information 

Cons

 Open to informational vandalism  Misinformation  Propaganda / bias

USE MULTIPLE SOURCES!!!

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Corroborate

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Validate

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Evaluate for appropriateness

(does the source meet your information needs?)

Critically Evaluate 

Authority

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Accuracy

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Objectivity

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Currency

Authority

       Is there an author / contact info., “about us”, “our mission”, etc.?

What are their credentials?

Is author’s point of view / bias apparent?

Are they affiliated with an organization, corporation or institution?

 http://www.rythospital.com/ What is the purpose of the website (to sell, persuade, educate, etc.)?

Who is the intended audience?

Who links to this page? (Google link:www.pomperaug.com

)

Accuracy

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Ask youself

 Where does the information come from?

 Are references cited?

 Can the information be proven, corroborated elsewhere?

 Is seeing believing?: http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blshark attack.htm

Objectivity

  Ask Yourself:  Is the source biased? Obvious and not so obvious     Selection & omission Placement Headlines and photos, camera angels: http://www.velocityassociates.net/Bushkerry.shtml

Use of statistics and skewed survey questions  Is the site sponsored?

DON”T ALWAYS TRUST A URL – (.edu/~johndoe…,    http://www.martinlutherking.org/ ) What sources were used to gather information?

What sites does this site link to?

Currency

 Is the information up to date?

 Is there a date of last revision?

 Are links still active?

Always Credit Sources Used SITE THOSE SOURCES!!!

 Responsible use of information  Enables you to return to the site quickly if you need more info.

 Adds credibility to you and your work