How to Evaluate Sources: 1.Check out the domain name (part of the URL).
* The three- or four-letter extension on the end of the domain name can tell you what kind of site it is. * The most common domain names are .com (for commercial sites), .org (for nonprofit organization sites), .gov (for government sites), .net (for network related sites), and .edu (for educational sites). 2. Determine if the sources of information are provided. * If a site makes claims but does not back them up with documented evidence, this might be a red flag. * Because anyone can post information on the Web, it's important that you verify information from a questionable source. 3. Whenever you use a source in your research writing project, it's important that you know its author. * Often times, a website lists only its publisher/owner, and if this is the case, you should try to identify the sponsoring organization or publisher. * Sometimes you'll find contact information or a disclaimer on the home page or an "about this site" page. If you can't find out anything about the author, carefully consider if you should use the information. * You should also consider the potential bias of the author. * As you evaluate a Web site, consider if its author's bias affects the presentation of information and opinions in a source. 4. Keep it as recent as possible. * Check to see that the website itself is updated regularly. * Since information in regards to careers can change rapidly, you will want to not want to use sources that were published more than 5 years ago. |