Evaluating Websites for Research R. T. Smith Elementary School Media Center
Essential Questions Why do I need to know how to evaluate the content of a website?
Essential Questions Why should I care about scholarly authority when undertaking a formal or informal research project?
Essential Questions How do I evaluate the content of a website?
Why do I need to know how to evaluate the content of a website?
If students are unable to discern(tell the difference, to judge between) fact from fiction or reliable sources from unreliable ones, their decision-making skills are seriously impaired. Students form incorrect judgments and deluded opinions based on false, inaccurate, or outdated information found on the Internet. Having the wrong information can lead to a poor or failing grade on an assignment. Having the wrong information in real life can lead to poor decision making.
Importance of Authoritative Websites
An authoritative source is supported by documentary evidence and accepted by most experts. (www.edison.edu/library/researchskills/glossary.php)
Finding reliable information in order to make educated decisions. Research papers and topics require valid information. Knowing the differences between reliable and unreliable websites can help you in daily life. Example: If you are buying a MP3 player, who do you want to give you advice? A friend, a consumer report article, or Joe Smith’s Website
Fact or Fiction?
Checkout these websites and discuss whether you think they are reliable or unreliable and why? Dangers of Bread: http://www.geoffmetcalf.com/bread.html The Jackalope: http://www.sudftw.com/jackcon.htm
“But it’s on the Internet!”
Anyone can put anything out on the world wide web. It is a jungle out there! Don’t assume that just because it is on a web page that it is true. Don’t judge a website solely by its appearance---just because it looks professional does not mean it is.
A Look at Wikis Wikipedia is one of the most popular sources of online information and one of many great places to start. But there are some things you should know about Wikipedia before you use it for research. Here is some information they want you to know:
Using Wikipedia as a research tool Users
should be aware that not all articles are of encyclopedic quality from the start, and may contain false or debatable information. Some articles contain statements and claims which have not yet been fully cited. Others will later have entire new sections added. Some information will be considered by later contributors to be insufficiently founded, and may be removed or expounded. Allowing anyone to edit Wikipedia means that it is more easily vandalized or susceptible to unchecked information, which requires removal.
Here is an article from USA Today
Importance of Scholarly Authority
In academics, teachers and professors expect you to use reliable, scholarly, and authoritative resources. These resources are authored and/or reviewed by experts in the field on a particular subject. Reference materials (print and online) as well as materials from subscription databases (such as GALE, GALILEO, and GROLIER) are the most authoritative and should be your first places to look.
Authority
Who created the page and what organization are they affiliated with? Would another reputable site link this page for further information? Does the domain of the page affect your evaluation? (ex. .gov, .edu, .com, or .org) Is the information useful for your purpose? If you search for the author on a search engine, do you find other reputable information or sites?
Authority
Is the information reliable? Check the author's credentials and affiliation. Is the author an expert in the field? Does the resource have a reputable organization or expert behind it? Are the sources of information stated? Can you verify the information? Can the author be contacted for clarification? Check for organizational or author biases.
Scope and Content Is the material at this site useful, unique, and accurate, or is it derivative, repetitious, or doubtful? Is the information available in other formats? Is the purpose of the resource clearly stated? Does it fulfill its purpose?
Scope and Content
What items are included in the resource? What subject area, time period, formats or types of material are covered? Is the information factual or opinion? Does the site contain original information or simply links? How frequently is the resource updated? Does the site have clear and obvious pointers to new content?
Scope and Content
Is the title indicative of the content of the page? Is the purpose of the page clearly indicated on the home page? What is the date of the document’s creation? Is the information found useful for your purpose? If the information were obtained in another place would it have been different? Did the information found lead you to other helpful information either on the web or in print? Is a bibliography provided? Does the information seem biased or one sided?
Cost and Accessibility
Is the site available on a consistent basis? Is response time fast? Does the site have a text-based alternative? How many links lead to a dead-end? Is this a fee-based site? Can non-members still have access to part of the site? Must you register a name and password before using the site?
Final Words of Caution
Generally speaking, sites ending in .gov, .gov .mil, .mil or .edu are reliable. Although .org sites generally are reliable, review the content carefully. Some sites that are biased or even proponents of a hate-based agenda operate under the guise of “.org.” Sites that are .com or .net are generally not regarded as scholarly or authoritative in academia. Evaluate “.k12” sites with a careful eye---while these are often good sources of information, some information could be questionable.
About: www.martinlutherking.org ď Ź
What could be more upsetting than finding out that the site at URL <www.martinlutherking.org> is actually a hate site operated by white supremacists? How about finding a link to it posted by a middle school teacher who assumes the site is a valid source of information about King?