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?
