Finding Reliable Information

You have access to a large amount of information via the internet. How can you tell if the information is reliable? How do you know if the information is biased or misleading? Evaluating information on the internet helps us know if it is reliable and accurate. Use the questions below to evaluate the validity of websites throughout the course and anytime you are looking for accurate information

1. Who published the site?

• Domain name - is it a .gov, .edu, .mil, .org, or a .com?
• If you don't know for sure, use Whois.com website to find out who owns a registered domain name.

2. Who wrote it?

• Look for an "About" or "More about the Author" link
• Does the author provide their credentials?
• What type of expertise do they have on the subject?
• Does the author indicate their level of education?
• What type of experience to they have?
• Can you trust their knowledge of the subject?

3. What is the main purpose of the site?

• Is it to provide accurate information?
• Is it to present a particular opinion?
• Is the site biased in one direction or another?
• Is it designed to provide data on a topic? If so, what type and from whom?

4. Who is the intended audience?

• Is there a funding source for the research?
• If so, they may want to skew the findings to encourage you to buy their product.

5. When was the site last updated?

• Is the site updated?
• How old is the most recent data?
• What information on the site has been updated?