Download Got Internet? - Regional School District 15

Evaluating the Quality
of Information Found
on the Internet
Created by Liza Zandonella,
Library Media Specialist
Start With a Reliable Source
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Databases offer a wide variety of resources,
originally in print, having passed rigorous
editorial review, are referenced
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Websites not always active, current or
updated, some of questionable quality,
subject to misinformation, bias, etc.
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Databases geared directly toward curriculum
Use Good Search Strategies
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Don’t guess at a URL
Use search engines
Watch spelling
Use keywords associated with topic
Syntax (quotes around phrases, etc.)
Wikipedia(mania)
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Pros…in a perfect world
 User
friendly
 Some entries written by experts in field
 References cited
 External links for more information
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Cons
 Open
to informational vandalism
 Misinformation
 Propaganda
/ bias
USE MULTIPLE SOURCES!!!
Corroborate
Validate
Evaluate for appropriateness
(does the source meet your
information needs?)
Critically Evaluate
Authority
Accuracy
Objectivity
Currency
Authority
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Is there an author / contact info., “about us”, “our
mission”, etc.?
What are their credentials?
Is author’s point of view / bias apparent?
Are they affiliated with an organization, corporation or
institution?
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http://www.rythospital.com/
What is the purpose of the website (to sell, persuade,
educate, etc.)?
 Who is the intended audience?
 Who links to this page? (Google
link:www.pomperaug.com)
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Accuracy
Ask
youself
 Where
does the information come from?
 Are references cited?
 Can the information be proven, corroborated
elsewhere?
 Is seeing believing?:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blshark
attack.htm
Objectivity
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Ask Yourself:
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Is the source biased? Obvious and not so obvious
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Is the site sponsored?
DON”T ALWAYS TRUST A URL – (.edu/~johndoe…,
 http://www.martinlutherking.org/ )
 What sources were used to gather information?
 What sites does this site link to?
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Selection & omission
Placement
Headlines and photos, camera angels:
http://www.velocityassociates.net/Bushkerry.shtml
Use of statistics and skewed survey questions
Currency
 Is
the information up to date?
 Is there a date of last revision?
 Are links still active?
Always Credit Sources Used
SITE THOSE SOURCES!!!
Responsible use of information
 Enables you to return to the site quickly if
you need more info.
 Adds credibility to you and your work
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