Evaluating Websites
Authority:�Who created the site? �
o What is their authority?
Do they have expertise or experience with the topic?
What are their credentials, institutional affiliation?
o Is organizational information provided?
o Does the URL suggest a reputable affiliation with regard to the topic--personal or official site; type of Internet domain (i.e., .edu: educational institution; .org: non-profit organization; .com: commercial enterprise; .net: Internet Service Provider; .gov: governmental body; .mil: military body)?
Objectivity: �Is the purpose and intention of the site clear, including any bias or particular viewpoint? �
Are the purpose and scope stated?
Who is the intended audience?
Is the information clearly presented as being factual or opinion, primary or secondary in origin?
What criteria are used for inclusion of the information?
Is any sponsorship or underwriting fully disclosed?
Accuracy: �Is the information presented accurate?
Are the facts similar to those reported in related print or other online sources?
Are the Web resources for which links are provided quality sites?
Are the facts documented or well-researched?
Currency: �Is the information current?
Is the content current?
Are the pages date-stamped with last update?
Usability: �Is the site well-designed and stable?
Is the site organization logical and easy to maneuver?
Is the content written at a level that is readable by the intended audience?
Has attention been paid to presenting the information as error-free (e.g., spelling, punctuation) as possible?
Is there a readily identifiable link back to the institutional or organizational home page?
Is the site reliably accessible?
Let’s Evaluate
Look at the list of the links provided in the given worksheet and evaluate whether they are suitable for using in an academic essay based on your knowledge of evaluating sources.
When done check your answers from the Answer key provided.
Source