Some Hints to Evaluating Internet Information

Unlike books and periodicals, most information on the Internet does not go through a review process to ensure its authority and validity. Virtually anybody can post anything to the Internet; some may go to great lengths to present their conjecture and opinion as ultimate and authoritative factual information. Therefore, even more so than with print materials, it is up to the reader--the user of the information--to evaluate the reliability of the information found.

Some of the qualities traditionally used to evaluate print items--such as currency, objectivity, and the author's qualifications--are also useful in evaluating information found on the Internet, though these qualities are sometimes more difficult to assess in this electronic, non-reviewed medium. What follows are some questions to guide you in evaluating World Wide Web page content and other Internet information, to help you decide if what you find is reliable and sufficient for your needs. You may identify some other strategies that work well for you also.

What type of web page am I viewing? What is the purpose of its existence?

    - is the intent to educate? to market a product? to share one's opinions? other?

    - is there a reputable institution or organization that is sponsoring the page?

What are the links connected to this web page?

    - is there a link back to a home page of a reputable sponsoring organization?

    - what is the purpose and nature of the sponsoring organization?

Who are the authors of the page and what are their qualifications for presenting this information?

    - are the authors' names, professional positions, and/or educational backgrounds identified?

    - are the authors affiliated with a reputable institution or organization?

What is the tone of the content?

    - is the content presented objectively or are there clear biases present?

    - is the content intended primarily to present factual information or to persuade the reader?

    - what sort of language and writing style is used?

Is the information accurate?

    - is information presented clearly, coherently, and in an organized manner?

    - are there obvious errors and inaccuracies present?

    - can the information be verified with other sources?

Is the information current?

    - is there a date provided on the web page?

    - is there a revision date?