Why Evaluate Web Sites?
For two very critical reasons:
Use the five criteria listed in the column to the right, and remember them by the helpful mnemonic device ABC³. Ask yourself each of the questions given. If you find that not enough information is available to answer the questions, the site may not be credible.
This tool will help you evaluate how trustworthy a website is.
Authority refers the question of "Who?" Who wrote this information? Who sponsored it? What are their credentials (or why should we trust them)?
Buzzle - The disclaimer at Buzzle states that they assume no liability or responsibility for error or omissions in their information!
Streisand Misquotes Shakespeare - The singer relied on a quote from the Internet attributed to Shakespeare. The quote was written by an Internet prankster.
Martin Luther King Jr.org - This site is hosted and sponsored by a white supremacist site and could easily fit in the biased category as well.
Bias refers to the question of "Why?" Why is this information given, and why is it given in this particular way? What is the author or sponsor's ultimate goal? Depending on its purpose, information can be very one-sided (to sway the reader's opinion), or it can be very objective.
Don't confuse bias with falsehood. Information can be completely true -- factually correct -- and yet still biased. Remember, the author may have left out some important details!
Currency refers to the question of "When?" When was this information written, and when was it last updated? Is it up-to-date, or has the topic changed since that time?
Content refers to the question of "What?" What information is given? Is it relevant to your search? Is it scholarly or popular?
Consistency is the comparison of this information with other sources. Does this information make sense with what you already know? Does it seem to match what other experts have to say? This can help you determine if the information is factually correct.
