WHO put the information on the Web?
- Authority – What are the author’s qualifications for writing about this subject?
Domain – Check the web domains to see the type of website/webpage. Commonly used web domains are:
- com – commercial business
- .edu – educational institution (i.e. a college)
- .gov – U.S. government agency
- .org – U.S. nonprofit organization
WHAT kind of information does it provide?
- Objectivity – Is it a blog or a personal website? Is the information biased?
WHEN was the information posted?
- Currency – Is the site regularly updated and maintained? Are the links active?
WHERE is the information coming from?
- Accuracy – Is the information backed by research? Are there references or bibliographies?
WHY is the information on the Web?
- Motivation – What is the purpose of the site or the author
The purpose of a Website usually falls into the following categories:
- To persuade (advocacy)
- To inform (to report research; to provide information)
- To sell (advertising or company Websites)
- To entertain or to provide personal information
From the Irvine Valley College Library Evaluating Source guide
Find more information on evaluating resources for your paper by using the link below.