|
DEMONSTRATION ONLY: This demonstration presents an abbreviated version of the complete VPT course. Click 'Next' at the bottom of the screen or make a selection from the links on the left to begin. Not all links are available for the demo.
Recognize and Apply Appropriate Research Skills and Strategies
Credibility and the Web
Determining the credibility of sources published on the Internet is a more involved process if the source is not in a database. Websites created by established news outlets or publishers are generally reputable for the same previously discussed reasons the print versions of these materials are. Official government websites, such as those that end in .gov or .mil in the United States, are also reliable sources for information online since they are maintained and monitored by government agencies. The websites of major colleges and universities that end in .edu are also reputable sources, particularly if the content deals with a specific collection or area of expertise of that school. Websites ending with .org are potentially credible sources, but should only be used if maintained by a reputable organization. Unlike .gov, .mil and .edu, there is no regulation of .org addresses, so virtually anyone can create a web page ending in .org. While there are some very useful and credible websites that end in .org, users need to use their due diligence for these websites if the one they are viewing is not an established and familiar organization. There are also sites, such as Google Scholar, that contain academic sources. Unless it is a monitored database, sources on these types of sites will need to be scrutinized; however, many reliable sources can be found in academically oriented search engines.
There are a variety of ways to check the credibility of a website, and researchers should not depend on a single one. While a valid website might not meet every single criteria outlined here, the majority of them will apply to reputable sources. One of the first means of evaluation is to look for an author or individual that can be contacted about the website. If whether of these are present, looking up the author or contact online can verify his or her expertise. If the author writes for or is part of a reputable organization, that connection should emerge in a search. If the website’s author does not have any apparent credentials or is found on other dubious sites, it is best to find the information elsewhere. Information without an author listed or contact information on the website is more suspect. If someone is willing to be held accountable for the information, it is more likely to be accurate.
|
