1. Determining Reliable Websites For Research 4 Factors to Consider CARS:  Credibility: Can we believe the site?  Accuracy: Can we consider the information correct?  Reasonableness: Does the information seem to be fair and generally make sense?  Support: Do other sites and sources report similar information? 1

2. Credibility  Is there an author or an organization listed for the website? – If not, there is no credibility – Website can not be used for research  If there is an author or organization: Do they provide a job title or describe their education, training or experience related to the information? Do they provide contact information? 2

3. Accuracy  Is there a recent date?  Does the website provide concrete facts rather than general, vague information? 3

4. Reasonableness  Is the author presenting information that is free of personal bias?  Is the author’s words seem to be free of highly emotional tones such as hate, anger, or spite? 4

5. Support  Does the website refer to other people or organizations?  Does the website document their sources?  Do other sources support this source? 5

6. In Order To Use A Website For Your Research:  There MUST be an author or organization listed  Your answer must be YES to at least one of the questions for credibility, accuracy, reasonableness and support 6

7. Some Final Helpful Facts  A website with an address ending in the domain.gov or.edu are always acceptable for your research  A website with an address ending in the domain.org or.net is usually acceptable for your research  A website with an address ending in the domain.com always needs to be evaluated for credibility, accuracy and support 7