Evaluating Sources of Information

Political scientists use a variety of techniques and sources for gathering information. At times in this class you will be asked to gather your own information. Many of you will use the Internet. And why not? It is convenient and loaded with information. There are, however, some issues with the Internet. Are all Internet sources reliable? Use of the Internet for research requires a critical mind.

Some sites may have some assumed credibility—your textbook Web site for example. Its purpose is to provide you with some study tools to assist you in understanding and remembering information.

Why would you assume that your textbook Web site is reliable?

Did you say because the author is known, as is the publisher, and that they are associated with a reputable university?

Visit this Web site about a common substance, dhmo.

This Web site attempts to warn you about a common substance.

What is the substance?

It is about H₂0 or water. The Web site is total nonsense. It is a parody of Web sites that warn you of dangerous substances, but is designed to "reel you in." Did it get you? You can see that just because something is on the Internet, that doesn’t make it true.

Today you will look at sample criteria for evaluating Web sites and then create your own Web site evaluation form to examine Web sites you might access during the course. Select one of the following Web sites and read the information provided. You may want to take notes as you read since the information will be used in the activity that follows.

• Critical Evaluation of Information Sources
• Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages
• Criteria for Evaluating Internet Resources