When evaluating a website for reliability, several factors should be considered to ensure the information is accurate and relevant. Firstly, the type of website, indicated by its URL extension (
Are there lots of advertisements - is it trying to sell you something? Is it maintained by a group with a particular agenda?
If no then the website you are are viewing may be a good resource for you to use; however, keep steps 1-6 in mind as you continue to explore and use the website for your research.
5. What type of website is it?
Which type of website are you viewing? Is there reason to believe that the type of organization that maintains the website would publish innacurate or bias information on your research topic? .edu=education, .net=network, .org=non-profit, .com=commerical, .gov=government, .mil=military
If no then continue, if yes then choose another website to evaluate.
The extension at the end of the URL (the web address) tells you what type of website you are viewing.
4. Who is the author?
Does the author/organization know what he/she is talking about? Look the author/organization up on the Internet and research his/her/its creditentials.
3. When was the website last updated?
Look for dates... is the information on the website up-to-date? This is especially important if you are looking for information on current events.
2. Is the website easy to use?
Can you easily understand and navigate the website? Do all of the links work?
1. Is the information useful to you?
Is the information and useful and are the images and content appropriate to your topic?
If yes then continue, if no then choose another website to evaluate.
