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Evaluating Websites

Activity 4b: Evaluate Sources-Websites

How can I tell if a web page is okay to use for research?

If you have identified a website as a prospective source, first answer each of the questions below. The answers you find --or do not find-- can help you decide whether or not the website is an acceptable source.

1. Who is the author?
   • What credentials does the author /sponsor have?
   • If an individual author is not named, is there a link to the home page that identifies the author?
   • You may need to trace back the URL (Internet address) to view a page in a higher directory with background information.
   • ~NAME in URL may indicate a personal home page with no official sanction.
   
   
   
2. What date was the information posted or updated?
   • Is your topic time-sensitive and undergoing change? For such topics, the more current, the better. If not, your topic is likely more historically oriented, and dates are less significant.
   
   
   
3. Does the author/sponsor include a reference list to support statements/claims?
   • If an actual works cited can't be found, are there links to other pages?
   • If yes, what type of pages are they?
   • Do these pages supplement or support the the site's statements/claims?
   
   
   
4. What is the overall purpose and tone?
   • Who is the intended audience based on content and style?
   • Check the domain name for clues (.edu, .org, .com, .biz, .mil, .net, .gov).
   • Is there an "about" link from either the information page or the home page that highlights the site's purpose?
   • Is there evidence of a particular bias, point of view, or vested interest? Does the author have something to sell?
   
   
   
5. What is the content level?
   • To what depth does the website cover your topic?
   • Is your topic given a mere surface treatment, or is the coverage more thorough with a background overview and/or in-depth topic analysis?