Why Evaluate?
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Volume of Information
Just the shear volume of information can lead to evaluation issues. So much is available on the Internet that it can be difficult to wade through everything carefully. -
Anyone Can Publish on the Internet
Internet publishing is available to everyone; you, me, your neighbor, seven-year-olds, lobbiests, politicians, etc. -
No Editing/Review Boards
Unlike more traditional publications (books, journals) the Internet has no review board.
Evaluation Criteria
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Authority
Evaluation can sometimes require doing research on the author to be certain he/she is an authority on the subject. -
Accuracy
Can you verify the validity of the information from another source, such as a book? Is the research methodology valid? Are sources of information stated in the web site? -
Objectivity
Is the data factual or does it reflect the personal bias of the author? Is the material presented in an objective manner or is the author trying to sell the reader? -
Currency
Reliable Internet sites should include the date the information was compiled. Is the information current or out-of-date? Has the page been revised since it was originally written? -
Usability
Is the site user friendly? Is it easy to follow and can the user move from page to page logically? Is the navigation consistent from page to page?
Criteria for Evaluating Web Sites
Info Literacy 10. Evaluation Information Sources
