Sociology

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?

Here are professional organizations and associations that may be of interest to you. Many of them provide free resources, but membership is often required to use all of their services.