Be a Critical Researcher Evaluating the Reliability & Validity of Websites

Introduction The Internet is one of the first places we turn to when we need to do research. Unfortunately the Internet also has a lot of misinformation out there. It is your job to become a Critical Researcher. You must ask specific questions to determine if a website is valid and reliable. Let’s Begin!

The 5 W’s for Website Evaluation * Click on a criteria to learn more Ask Yourself: Who What Where When Why

Who (Authority) Who is the author of the website? Is the author clearly stated? Is it a group, an organization, or an individual? Is the author an expert in this field? Is there a link to contact the author? Is there a link for additional information about the author?

What (Objectivity) What is the purpose of the site? Why was it created? To entertain To inform or give facts To persuade, sell, promote or entice To share A Combination of the above Have more than one purpose, such as entertaining you while trying to sell you something or convince you to believe in something? Is the author being objective or biased? Does the author present the information as fact or opinion?

Where (Accuracy) Where does the information come from? Are the sources of information reputable? Does the author include links to related websites? Do the links work? What are the sources of information for the site? Does the site have a bibliography or list of references?

When (Currency of Info) When was the website created? Is there a date that tells the last update or revision? Is the information up-to-date? Does it matter to you whether this information is outdated or not? Why or Why not?

Why (Coverage) Does the website provide valuable information? Can you verify this information from another trustworthy source? Is the site relevant to your needs? Whom is the site intended for? Is the information appropriate for your age group? Is the vocabulary appropriate for your reading level? Does the site have a quality look and feel?

* Click on an example to see the website Example Websites of… * Click on an example to see the website Who – Example 1 / Example 2 What - Example 1 / Example 2 Where - Example 1 / Example 2 When - Example 1 / Example 2 Why - Example 1 / Example 2 Use the Criteria for Website Evaluation to determine if the example websites are good or bad examples of Reliable and Valid websites.

Explanation of Example Websites * Click on an example to read the explanation Who – Example 1 / Example 2 What - Example 1 / Example 2 Where - Example 1 / Example 2 When - Example 1 / Example 2 Why - Example 1 / Example 2 Read the explanation for each example to know if your evaluation of each website was correct or not.

Example 1 (Who - Authority) Click the image to go to the website http://www.nineplanets.org/

Example 2 (Who - Authority) http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/index.cfm Click the image to go to the website

Example 1 - Explanation Who -Authority The Nine 8 Planets http://www.nineplanets.org/ This site seems to have a lot of information on the planets. Most of the site seems to be accurate and current. However when you investigate the author a little more you realize that the author is a software engineer. The author is clearly not an expert on the subject of the solar system.

Example 2 - Explanation Who -Authority The Solar System Exploration http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/index.cfm This site comes directly from NASA, which is a credible source.

Example 1 (What - Objectivity) Click the image to go to the website http://www.dhmo.org/

Example 2 (What - Objectivity) Click the image to go to the website http://www.neutrogena.com/home.asp

Example 1 - Explanation What - Objectivity Dihydrogen Monoxide http://www.dhmo.org/ Literally, the term "dihydrogen monoxide" means "two hydrogen, one oxygen", consistent with its molecular formula: the prefix di- in dihydrogen means "two", the prefix mono- in monoxide means "one", and an oxide is a compound that contains one or more oxygen atoms. The dihydrogen monoxide hoax involves listing negative effects of water under an unfamiliar scientific name, then asking individuals to help control the seemingly dangerous substance. The hoax is designed to illustrate how the lack of scientific knowledge and an exaggerated analysis can lead to misplaced fears. Dihydrogen monoxide, shortened to DHMO, is a scientific name for water that, while technically correct, is almost never employed.

Example 2 - Explanation What - Objectivity Neutrogena Skin Care http://www.neutrogena.com/home.asp This site is trying to persuade us to purchase Neutrogena products by telling us we will have “Smoother skin today. Younger-looking skin tomorrow.” The site states that it’s products are Dermatologist Recommended, does this mean all dermatologist recommend Neutrogena and we shouldn’t use any other products? No, all dermatologist do not recommend this product. This site is just trying to sell us a product and the site is not objective.

Example 1 (Where - Accuracy ) Click the image to go to the website http://147.129.226.1/library/research/AIDSFACTS.htm

Example 2 (Where - Accuracy ) Click the image to go to the website http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/index.htm

Example 1 - Explanation Where - Accuracy The True but little known Facts about Women with AIDS, with documentation http://147.129.226.1/library/research/AIDSFACTS.htm At first glance, it is easy to believe the information on this site has a high level of reliability and accuracy because, after all, it is sponsored by an academic institution. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes very clear that this site is nothing but a hoax and the information included is fictional. The author of the web site actually states that the site is a hoax. An uninformed viewer and a non-critical thinker, however, could easily be persuaded to believe the information included on this web site.

Example 2 - Explanation Where - Accuracy HIV/AIDS Fact Sheets http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/index.htm While it isn't clearly stated most of the information provided is based on reports, surveys, studies, and research done by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Since the web site’s purpose is to convey information about HIV/AIDS to a general audience, the research method isn't easily assessable. Many of the Fact Sheets do make general reference to how the stats were gathered or which report the information was taken.

Example 1 (When - Currency of Info) Click the image to go to the website Snap Shot retrieved Dec. 3, 2009 http://42explore.com/volcano.htm

Example 2 (When - Currency of Info) Click the image to go to the website Snap Shot retrieved Dec. 3, 2009 http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/

Example 1 - Explanation When - Currency of Info Volcanoes http://42explore.com/volcano.htm This site has not been updated since August of 2001. Some of their links are broken and outdated. I would stay away from this site and try to find a more current site for my volcano research.

Example 2 - Explanation When - Currency of Info Volcano Hazards Program http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ This site from the USGS is current and up-to-date. It has the latest news on the happenings of the volcanoes from around the US.

Example 1 (Why - Coverage ) Click the image to go to the website http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/grow/drugs_alcohol/know_drugs.html

Example 2 (Why - Coverage ) Click the image to go to the website http://www.brainsource.com/brain_on_drugs.htm

Example 1 - Explanation Why - Coverage What You Need To Know About Drugs http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/grow/drugs_alcohol/know_drugs.html A kid-friendly website discussing drugs and their side effects. The content is age appropriate and the vocabulary is age appropriate. The site has activities for the kids to do. There are specific links for kids and teens relating to feelings, how to deal with peer pressure, how to stay healthy, etc.

Example 2 - Explanation Why - Coverage Brain on Drugs http://www.brainsource.com/brain_on_drugs.htm The main website is about the Brain. It has a link to some information on the effects drugs have on the brain. The website is not bad; it does give good information about the effects drugs have on the brain. However if you are looking for a more comprehensive website dealing with Kids and Drugs you would need to find other websites to gather that information.

Summary Be careful while searching the Internet. Use the Criteria & Questions you learned to help you determine if a site is valid and reliable. Who – Who created the site? What – Is the purpose of the site clear? Where – Is the information accurate? When – Is the information current? Why – Is the information useful? Make sure you can find most of the criteria in the websites you use for your research.

Works Cited http://www.nova.edu/library/dils/lessons/webresourcesevaluation/ http://www.lib.purdue.edu/ugrl/staff/sharkey/interneteval/ http://www.lib.purdue.edu/ugrl/inst/evaluatingsources.pdf http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/evalcrit.html http://www.dianelauer.com/fivewww/webeval.html http://muse.widener.edu/~tltr/How_to_Evaluate_9.htm

Quiz: Question 1 Which criteria will help you determine if the website is presented as fact or opinion? A Currency of Info B Accuracy C Objectivity D Authority

Quiz: Question 2 The criteria of Authority will help you determine if the author is an expert in their field. True False

Sorry! That is incorrect Click HERE to review which criteria will help you determine if a website is presented as fact or opinion.

Sorry! The statement is False Back to Question

Correct! Next Question

Correct! End Quiz

Congratulations! You are a Critical Researcher!