Criteria for Web
Site Evaluation
Would
my instructor accept this as a good source for my paper or project?
WHY was the Web site created?
People put up Web pages for many different reasons. The trustworthiness of information may be affected by the motivation of the person or group sponsoring the Web page.- What purpose does the site serve? Information, entertainment, profit?
- What does the author get out of it? A laugh, a job, joy?
- What does the purpose tell you about the reliability of the information?
What OPINION does this page represent?
Every page represents somebody's opinion, but some are more opinionated than others. It is important to be aware that the information you find is representative of the author's point of view. Even "facts" are someone's idea or interpretation of the facts. Be sure to think about whether or not you trust the information as it is presented.- What point is emphasized by the Web site? Is it reasonable?
- Is the tone reasonably objective or fanatical?
- What is conspicuously missing (if anything)? Do you see logical errors or issues that have been avoided for no apparent reason?
WHEN was the page put up?
Some fields don't change much from one week or year to the next, but for others, old information may be worthless or even damaging to your paper.- Can you tell when the page was put up?
- Have the authors ever changed it?
- Does it matter?
WHO put up the Web site?
- Can you tell? Does anyone claim authorship?
- Who do the authors work for? What are their credentials?
- Have you ever heard of them? Name recognition is important here.
How GOOD is the information?
- How does the information fit in with what you already know?
- Have the authors edited the page for spelling and grammar?
- How much does the Web site rely on graphics to distract you from the text?
How WELL DOCUMENTED is the work?
- Can you find a bibliography? Do the sources seem scholarly?
- Do the links work?
- Do the links seem to be scholarly?