| Elements to Consider: | Questions to Ask: | Watch For: |
|---|---|---|
| Author | Who is the author? What are her credentials? Is there contact information? |
anonymity bad grammar misspellings |
| Publisher | Who is the publisher? What does the URL tell about them? |
affiliation Search www.networksolutions.com/whois for the name of the organization that owns the site |
| Purpose | What is the purpose of the web site? Does it inform, explain, or persuade? |
hidden purposes bias vested interest |
| Accuracy | Is the information accurate? Can you verify statements of fact? Is the topic covered comprehensively? |
lack of documentation vague or sweeping generalizations no date on page missing information |
| Objectivity | Is the information presented objectively? Are arguments and opinions supported? Are arguments presented in a fair and reasonable way? Are various viewpoints addressed? |
intemperate language lack of balance inappropriate use of bold-face, italicized, and large fonts |
| Currency | Is the information current? Are the links current? Is the page updated regularly? |
dead links outdated information no date on page |
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