Use this evaluation ABC checklist when searching for information on the Internet.
Authority
Is the information from a reliable source? Does the author have appropriate qualifications, background and knowledge of the subject? Where is the document published and who has published it? Check the accuracy - how does the site compare to other sources?
Check the web site address (URL = uniform resource locator)to verify the origin of the site
.govt or .gov = government
. org = non-profit organization
. co or .com = commercial
.ac or .edu = academic/ educational
Bias
Why do you think the information was written? What opinions if any are expressed by the author? Does it provide a balanced view of the topic or is there an obvious bias promoted by the publisher or author? Who is the intended audience? Where is the document published?
Currency
When was the information written or recorded? Is the information up to date for the topic? Are the site links up-to-date, are they relevant and do they work?
It is important to evaluate the quality and reliability of the information you find as anyone can publish anything on the Internet. The "Getting Started" tips for evaluating information on the left will help you to assess the information source.
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