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Communication

Evaluating Websites

To evaluate a website (or any source you encounter), use the following criteria:

Currency

1. When was the page created and/or updated?
2. Do the links on the page work?
3. Does your topic require current information?

Relevance

1. Does the information relate to your topic?
2. Who is the intended audience? Is the level too elementary or advanced for your needs?
3. Do the links lead to other reputable sites?

Authority

1. What type of organization published this site? (.edu, .gov, .org, .com).
2. Who is the author, publisher or source? Is there contact information?
3. Is the author qualified to write on this topic?

Accuracy

1. Where does the information come from? Has it been reviewed (Peer reviewed)?
2. Is the information supported by evidence? Can you verify it in another source?
3. Are there spelling, grammar or typing errors?

Purpose

1. Always ask, why was this written and for whom.
2. Is the purpose of this site to teach, inform, entertain, sell or persuade?
3. Is the information factual, opinion or propaganda, objective or impartial?
4. Are there political, religious, cultural, ideological or personal biases?
5. Is advertising clearly differentiated from the informational content?

New York Times

To create your account.
Step 1: On campus or from the virtual desktop navigate to https://nytimesineducation.com/access-nyt/
Step 2: Search for and click the listing for "University of Texas at Tyler"
Step 3: Click Create Account and complete registration fields

Existing New York Times ID
If you have previously registered your email address on The New York Times site, you will click the "Already have an account" "Log in here" link (below the "Create Account" button) in Step 3.

A source of reporting, information and opinion, covering politics, finance, health, science, culture, the arts, sports, and fashion in the US and abroad, with special emphasis on the New York metropolitan area.

Media Organizations

Open-Access Websites for Research

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