Information Technology Resources

Information Technology Resources

Site Reviews

Questions to ask about the content of Internet Sites
Instructions
Use this page to critically consider the facts and opinions presented to you in the site you are accessing. As a researcher in any subject area you must ask questions about every source you read looking for bias, inaccuracies and contradictions.

Criteria 1: Authority

1. Whose views are published on the site? Is it an individual enthusiast or a community group, political party or academic institution?

2.Is there a link to a page describing the goals of the organisation?

3. Is there a way of contacting the organisation for more information? That

is, is there a phone number or postal address to contact for more information? (Simply an e-mail address is not enough).

4. Is there a statement that the content of the page has the official approval of the organisation?

Criteria 2: Accuracy

1. What are the sources of factual information listed for verification purposes? Are you able to double-check for accuracy?

2. Have you noticed any spelling and grammatical errors? These errors are an indicator of quality and accuracy of the data.

Criteria 3: Objectivity

1. What is the aim of the individual group? Are biases clearly stated?

2. Is there any advertising on the site? This may indicate who has paid for the site.

Criteria 4: Currency

1. Are there dates on the page to indicate:

When was the site was first placed on the Internet.

When the page was last revised.

2.Are there any other indications that the material is kept current?

Criteria 5. Coverage

1. Is there an indication that the page has been completed and is not under construction.

2. Is it clear what topics the page intends to address?

3. Does the page succeed in addressing these topics, or has something significant been left out?

4. Is the point of view of the organisation presented in a clear manner with its arguments well supported?

References
Wolfgang Memorial Library, Widener University, Chester, P.A

Return to QUT Home Page This web page is maintained by Ms Deborah Kember
Email : d.kember@qut.edu.au

Criteria 1: Authority 1. Whose views are published on the site? Is it an individual enthusiast or a community group, political party or academic institution? 2.Is there a link to a page describing the goals of the organisation? 3. Is there a way of contacting the organisation for more information? That is, is there a phone number or postal address to contact for more information? (Simply an e-mail address is not enough). 4. Is there a statement that the content of the page has the official approval of the organisation?
Criteria 2: Accuracy 1. What are the sources of factual information listed for verification purposes? Are you able to double-check for accuracy? 2. Have you noticed any spelling and grammatical errors? These errors are an indicator of quality and accuracy of the data.
Criteria 3: Objectivity 1. What is the aim of the individual group? Are biases clearly stated? 2. Is there any advertising on the site? This may indicate who has paid for the site.
Criteria 4: Currency 1. Are there dates on the page to indicate: When was the site was first placed on the Internet. When the page was last revised. 2.Are there any other indications that the material is kept current?
Criteria 5. Coverage 1. Is there an indication that the page has been completed and is not under construction. 2. Is it clear what topics the page intends to address? 3. Does the page succeed in addressing these topics, or has something significant been left out? 4. Is the point of view of the organisation presented in a clear manner with its arguments well supported?