Evaluating Website Resource:
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Elements of Web Site Evaluation
Authority
- Author’s credentials
- Known or respected source
- Is the information documented?
- Is there any way to contact the author?
- Does the information belong to those who provide it? (i.e., no copyright violations, fabrications, etc.)
Accuracy
- Does this information need to be current?
- Do the links work?
- Information sites vs. recreational sites
- Is accuracy required for your purposes?
Balanced Treatment
Be able to spot point-of-view
- Is a site fair and objective?
- Is it an advocacy site? Advocacy sites are biased by definition.
- Is there a conflict of interest? Does the website producer stand to benefit from the information being provided?
How important is balance? Is it required for your purposes?
- For example, do enthusiasts' sites, novelty sites, and advocacy sites need to be unbiased?
The Dark Side: Techniques used to deceive or mislead
- Deception and mimicry -- acting like something you are not
- Co-opting symbols and traditions to use in other contexts
- Calling on a higher authority (e.g., religion, country, etc.) to justify a position
- The Plain Folks technique – “We are like everyone else”
- Using patriotism and pride in citizenship to justify a position
- Pseudoscience - using scientific-sounding references to justify a position
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