Don't believe everything you read online!

Questions to ask when evaluating what you see on the web:

 

AUTHORITY

  • Who are the authors or who is responsible for the information?

  • Is the author or organization qualified to provide the information?

ACCURACY

  • Do you have good reason to believe that the information on the site is accurate?

  • Are the facts documented?

OBJECTIVITY

  • What is the purpose of the site?

  • What is the author’s point of view?

  • Is the information unbiased or does the website admit to its bias?

CURRENCY

  • When was the information on the page originally written?

  • Has the site been revised or updated?

COVERAGE

  • How much and how well is the information covered?

Printable version

Sources:
McMillin, Paul. "Olin & Uris Libraries." Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages. Cornell University Library, 10 May 2010. Web. 5 Sept. 2012.
Henderson, J. "Guide." A Guide to Critical Thinking About What You See on the Web. Ithaca College Library, n.d. Web. 29 Aug. 2012.