Evaluation Checklist
ACCURACY
- Is the information complete, consistent, and
valid?
- Does it confirm or contradict what you already
know about a topic?
- How does it compare to other information you
have found?
- Can you compare it to another resource?
- Does the information appear thoughfully done, or
done in haste?
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AUTHORITY
- Is the page signed by someone who gives his/her
credentials (education, experience, and affiliations)?
- Who sponsors the site? Is it a governmental
agency (.gov), an educational body (.edu), a business (.com), an
organization (.org)
- Do you see errors in spelling or grammar?
- Are there links to other good info?
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CURRENCY
- When was the page created or updated?
- Are the links current?
- Is it important for you to have the latest info
on the topic you are searching?
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OBJECTIVITY
- Do you see evidence of fairness and balance, or
do you see bias? (Bias can be detected by finding misleading or
exaggerated statements, and by what is NOT included).
- Are there one-sided arguments about
controversial issues?
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PURPOSE and SCOPE
- Is the purpose of the site to inform, persuade,
explain, or sell something?
- How broad and how deep is the information?
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AUDIENCE
- Was the site intended for experts or
beginners?
- Do you find much jargon?
- Is the information relevant to your needs and
purpose?
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FORMAT AND APPEARANCE
- Is the site well organized and user
friendly?
- Is there a way to search the site?
- Is there a fee to access the information?
- Do you receive full text or summaries
(abstracts) of articles?
- Is there a "text only" option?
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PRIVACY
- If any personal information is requested of you,
what does the site do to protect your privacy?
- Does the site tell you its privacy policy?
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