EVALUATING INTERNET SOURCES with the 4 R’s of Research

Introduction In the Digital Age—the age of the Internet—we can access millions of resources on a given topic with the simple click of a mouse. Some of these resources contain legitimate and accurate information, while others do not. This means that as you collect research for your research paper, it is important to evaluate each and every source you access to ensure that you are gathering quality info.

In order to evaluate your resources, you will need to consider the Four R’s of Research. When looking at a source found on the Internet, please ask yourself if the source is… Relevant Reliable Recent Representative

Relevant (Having some sensible or logical connection to the topic under investigation) What to ask yourself: Does the source have information that directly relates to your topic? Is the focus of this source narrow enough or broad enough to offer you valuable information on your thesis? Is the information offered applicable to the assignment? How to answer the above questions: Read the Webpage summary, check out the Table of Contents, or simply browse the page to determine whether or not the material is relevant.

Reliable (Able to be trusted as accurate and correct) VERY IMPORTANT!!! What to ask yourself: Can you trust the source? Does the information come from a well-respected and/or well-known group, organization, or individual? Is research presented in the source properly cited and accurate? Is the Website user-friendly? Is the information error-free (this includes grammar, spelling, and conventions, as well as information)? How to answer the above questions: Check for information about authors and read any available “Mission Statements” or “About Us” sections to ensure the source’s legitimacy.

Reliable (Able to be trusted as accurate and correct) VERY IMPORTANT!!! Some good indicators of reliability: Easy-to-find publisher or author information Author/publisher is well-respected/well-known/credible (Usually author/publisher info. can be found at the bottom of the page/article/source). Information on page (facts, data) is cited Error-free content (accuracy of facts + lack of errors in spelling, grammar, etc.) The URL ends in .gov and .edu Sites that end in .org can sometimes be trusted, but they oftentimes represent a biased viewpoint. Generally speaking, renowned newspaper/magazine sources ending in .com are considered reliable.

Recent (Current) What to ask yourself: Is the copyright date of the Website recent? Has the Webpage been updated recently? How to answer the above questions: Make sure that the source was published or created within the past 5-10 years. Avoid using dated research.

Representative (Including a range of information and viewpoints) What to ask yourself: Is the information contained in the source balanced and objective? If the source is subjective, does it offer evidence to back up any opinions/claims? Does the source present multiple points of view? How to answer the above questions: Read through the content on the page and decide whether the information is fact-based or opinion-based. Then decide whether or not adequate evidence is provided to back up all opinions.

Handout: PRACTICE with the 4R’s of Research Read each source description and decide whether or not the source is Relevant, Reliable, Recent, and Representative. If the source meets the criteria for the category, write a check on the line. If it does not meet the criteria, write an “x” on the line. Write a question mark if you are not sure or cannot determine from the given information.