Credibility
- Who is the author or
organization responsible for the information?
- What are the author’s
credentials? (experience, education, academic or
- professional affiliations)
- Are the expert and the
webmaster the same person?
Accuracy
- Are references included
that verify the information’s source?
- Is the information
consistent with other sources on the topic?
- Are there mistakes in
spelling and word usage?
Bias/Objectivity (Fact vs.
Opinion)
- Is more than one
viewpoint or opinion expressed?
- Is the information
presented as fact or opinion?
- Is the site’s
purpose to inform? To entertain? To persuade? To explain? To advocate a cause?
To sell a product?
- Does the author
use emotionally charged language?
Timeliness
- When was the site’s last
update?
- When was the information
compiled originally?
- Is the information still
valid or is it out of date?
Relevance
- Is the information
directed toward a general or specialized audience?
- Is the information
comprehensive enough for your needs? Specific enough? Too detailed? Too vague?
- Does the information
cover the correct period of time for your topic? The correct geographical area?
