Summary of researching the web

How to effectively search for information?  

If we were to simply Google what we choose to research our screens will be flooded with information, but how often is that information accurate or even relevant.   As seen in class aprox 1/6 of the information came up in the first search was discounted through simple filters.  

How will you evaluate the credibility of an online source?

The following are some ideas on how you would evaluate the credibility of an online source. Obviously just because it is on the web does not necessary make it accurate.  Many sites have multiple reasons for their existence and it is not always to impart information.  Weather it is an advertisement, or a campaign to get across ideas, sites need to be checked for accuracy and accountability.

·      Check with other trustworthy sites, does this site hold water?

·      Research the authors, sponsors, and the like.

·      How often is work updated, is it outdated and no longer valid?

·      Check the citations and cross-reference, are they accurate?

·      Content, arguments, evidence, and origination of the web site.

·      Is Design a factor.

·      Is the web site bias in it’s options and or research.

o   I.E. Southern Baptist Church would not be the best site for information on military service members..