How to Research On the Internet

From LearnSocialStudies

Internet Research Skills

Evaluating Internet Resources

Checklist for Evaluating Internet Resources

Is the Internet a good research tool? This question is dependent on the researcher's objective. As in traditional print resources one must use a method of critical analysis to determine its value. Here is a checklist for evaluating Internet resources to help in that determination.

Authority

  • Is the information reliable?
  • Check the author's credentials and affiliation. Is the author an expert in the field?
  • Does the resource have a reputable organization or expert behind it?
  • Are the sources of information stated? Can you verify the information?
  • Can the author be contacted for clarification?
  • Check for organizational or author biases.

Scope

  • Is the material at this site useful, unique, accurate or is it derivative, repetitious, or doubtful?
  • Is the information available in other formats?
  • Is the purpose of the resource clearly stated? Does it fulfill its purpose?
  • What items are included in the resource? What subject area, time period, formats or types of material are covered?
  • Is the information factual or opinion?
  • Does the site contain original information or simply links?
  • How frequently is the resource updated?
  • Does the site have clear and obvious pointers to new content?

Format and Presentation

  • Is the information easy to get to? How many links does it take to get to something useful?
  • What is the quality of the graphical images? Do these images enhance the resource or distract from the content?
  • Is the target audience or intended users clearly indicated?
  • Is the arrangement of links uncluttered?
  • Does the site have its own search engine?
  • Is the site easily browsable or searchable?

Cost and Accessibility

  • Is the site available on a consistent basis?
  • Is response time fast?
  • Does the site have a text-based alternative?
  • How many links lead to a dead-end?
  • Is this a fee-based site? Can non-members still have access to part of the site?
  • Must you register a name and password before using the site?

Other Tips

  • Check the header and footer information to determine the author and source.
  • In the URL, a tilde ~ usually indicated a personal Internet directory rather than being part of the organization's official web site.
  • In order to verify an author's credentials, you may need to consult some printed sources such as Who's Who in * America or the Biography Index.
  • Check and compare the Internet website to others which are both similar and different.

Resource Internet Web Links

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