It can be challenging to determine whether a website you’re using is reliable. Before using information you find on the internet for your research, it is important to judge its accuracy and to establish that the information comes from a reliable and appropriate source.There are different ways you can tell if your website is credible.
Follow these tips to help you evaluate what's good and what's not!
1. What is the domain of the website?
2. Whose website is it? Look for:
3. Who wrote the content?
4. What type of a resource is it?
1. Can you find the copyright/last updated date?
2. Can you find a copyright date on the home page?
3. Can you find any dates related to the content you are reading?
1. Is this information reliable?
2. Are there links to other sites with similar information listed?
3. Is the information one-sided (an opinion)?
4. Are there advertisements (ads) on the page? Why are they there?
Super Smart Information Strategies by Site Design
Well-designed site can be an indication of more reliable information. Good design helps make information more easily accessible.
Writing style
Spelling and grammar are an indication that the site may be credible.
Objectivity
Evaluating a web site for objectivity:
Is the information presented with a particular bias?
is the site trying to sell or promote a product?
What goals/objectives does the site meet?
How detailed is the information?
1. Who is this website for?
2. Why was this website created?
3. Can you find the About page?
