Research and the Internet Evaluating the credibility of internet resources. Rationale: Welcome to “Research and the Internet.” This presentation is designed to introduce your students to methods for effectively searching the World Wide Web and evaluating the content of web pages This presentation may be supplemented with OWL handouts, including “Searching the World Wide Web” (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_websearch2.html), “Conducting a Productive Web Search” (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_websearch.html), and “Evaluating Sources of Information” (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_evalsource.html). Writer and Designer: Jennifer Liethen Kunka Contributors: Muriel Harris, Karen Bishop, Bryan Kopp, Matthew Mooney, David Neyhart, and Andrew Kunka Developed with resources courtesy of the Purdue University Writing Lab Grant funding courtesy of the Multimedia Instructional Development Center at Purdue University © Copyright Purdue University, 2000. PowerPoint adapted from a presentation by Jennie Flynt of Indian River County School District, Florida

Research and the Internet The Internet can be a great research tool, but finding quality websites can be challenging. OWL web site: owl.english. purdue.edu Rationale: With the development of the Internet, students have found that conducting research is much easier and more convenient than searching through library stacks. While the Internet can be a great tool for research, locating quality materials can at times be a challenge. The following slides will offer tips on how to make the most of your Internet search. Activity: To generate discussion, the facilitator may ask students about their level of familiarity with the Internet. Also, the facilitator may ask students about the types of web sites they visit, as well as if they have their own personal web pages.

Why do we need to evaluate Internet sources? Almost anyone can publish almost anything on the Internet. Unlike most print sources, web sources do not have to be professionally reviewed to be published. Activity: The facilitator might ask students why it is important to evaluate web sources. The answers offered on this slide highlight the importance of web source evaluation. . Key Concepts: Books and journal articles generally go through a long process of fact-checking, editing, and revising before being published. However, anyone with a computer and Internet access can post a web site. Just because the information is published online, it does not mean it is true or reliable. The facilitator may note that web sites change frequently and sometimes disappear quickly. Thinking about evaluation within the search process can help to make web browsing efficient and effective. Click the mouse after the title question. Purdue University Writing Lab

Types of Web Pages Informative pages Personal web pages Political/interest group pages Advertisements or “infomercial” pages Entertainment pages Key Concepts: There are several different types of web pages on the Internet. Students researching the web tend to think that the majority of web pages are devoted to providing information. Generally, informative sites--pages that offer information for the public good without any type of overt political or sales agenda--are few and far between. Personal web pages tend to be devoted to an individual’s interests, hobbies, family, friends, or ideological beliefs. While researching, students may find personal web pages being used as a sounding board for a political agenda. Though some sites contain well-researched and reliable information, others do not. Political or interest group pages generally promote some type of cause or way of thinking. These sites will educate web surfers about their topics, but they may contain slanted or biased information. Their goal is to offer information in the hopes of changing a belief, gaining a vote, or earning a political contribution. Students have the hardest time distinguishing between pages that provide information and pages that try to sell a product. For example, a web site that informs about the benefits of aromatherapy may also sell aromatherapy products. While some “infomercial” sites clearly are promoting a product, the business agenda of other sites can be more difficult to assess. Finally, the Internet contains many entertainment-oriented web sites. These sites can range from movie news and games to cartoons and comic book sites. Still other pages are “joke” pages--pages that look like they contain serious information, but really contain elaborately fabricated content. If readers are not careful researchers, they may mistake these “joke” pages for reliable information. Purdue University Writing Lab

Evaluating Internet Sources for Credibility & Bias Who wrote or sponsors the website? What is the purpose of the website. How does the purpose dictate the information on the site? Does the website have a point of view, position, or make a claim? Is the website trying to make an impression on viewers? Is the information fact or opinion? Is the information biased? Even if the website is biased does it still provide useful information? Is the source credible? Rationale: This slide previews the topics that this presentation will cover.

Identify the Web Site Author Find out who wrote or sponsors the website. Are they experts? Read “About” the person or group the website belongs to. What comes up when you “search” the author’s name? Is there a link for contacting the author or company? Key Concepts: Determine the authorship or sponsorship of the website. Going to the “homepage” for a site will often provide author information if any is available.

Identify the Web Site’s Purpose Teach • Entertain • Convince • Sell • ??? Sometimes the purpose of the web site is not clear. Some sites include misleading information to help sell their products. Does the website have anything for sale? Does the website invite you to sign up for something? Rationale: This slide details some of the problems in identifying web sites. In particular, students often have difficulty separating advertising from information. How does the website’s purpose influence the information it contains?

Point of View & Effect on Viewers Does the website have a point of view, position, or make a claim? Is the website trying to make an impression on viewers?

Fact or Opinion According to a recent survey of 300 students pizza is the most preferred school lunch. Pizza is everyone’s favorite food. Does the author give references or cite sources for their facts?

Website Bias Does the website tell only one side of the story or issue? Is it trying to convince you to believe or think a certain way? Even if it is a biased website does it still contain useful information?

Determine the accuracy and credibility of the information. Do I find the same information at more than one site? Are there references given for the information? Are there links to more websites on the same topic?

Evaluating Internet Sources Who wrote or sponsors the website? What is the purpose of the website? How does the purpose dictate the information on the site? Does the website have a point of view, position, or make a claim? Is the website trying to make an impression on viewers? Is the information fact or opinion? Is the information biased? Even if the website is biased does it still provide useful information? Is the source credible? Rationale: This slide reemphasizes the main points of the presentation.

Your Turn Which of these sites show bias? Does it still contain useful information? Doctors Say No to GMOs http://www.iowasource.com/food/2010_05_gmo.html WHO 20 questions on genetically modified food http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/ Examine these sites as a class and discuss the issues of bias and useful information.