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Political Science

Evaluating Websites

It can be difficult to know which websites are trustworthy and which are less reputable. To evaluate a website (or any source you encounter), use the following criteria:

Currency:

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

Relevance:

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

Authority:

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

Accuracy:

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

Purpose:

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

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