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Internet Information – Evaluation Tools
Every person using the Internet as a research tool needs to keep a healthy dose of skepticism nearby. This means you must evaluate the accuracy of information you find to determine whether it is useful for your current project or assignment.
Once you find websites offering what you need, evaluate the information. Use a tool such as the “C.A.R.S.” checklist. There are other methods of verifying information, but this one is fairly simple.
C = Credibility
A = Accuracy
R = Reliability
S = Support
Credibility
What about this source makes it believable (or not)? How does this source know this information? Why should I believe this source over another? Do we trust this information? Look for: the author’s credentials, revision or review dates to show quality control, summaries of information such as table of contents or overviews.
Warning Signs:
- Information is anonymous
- No quality control (bad spelling, bad grammar, no reviews)
- There are reviews, but they are all negative or critical
Accuracy
Is the information up-to-date, factual, detailed, exact and comprehensive? Even information that was totally up-to-date and accurate several years ago may now be out-of-date or may have proven to be incorrect as more information or research on the topic is completed.
Warning Signs:
- No date on the document
- Vague or sweeping generalizations (“all men” or “every household”)
- An old date on information that is known to change rapidly
- Very one-sided view or no acknowledgement of opposing views
Reasonableness
Is the information fair, objective, moderate and consistent? Ask yourself if it is likely, possible or probable. Is the data presented in a balanced and reasoned way or does it show an obvious bias or a conflict of interest? Does it contradict itself?
Warning Signs:
- Language that is not “professional”; name-calling, bad comments
- Over claims (“one million people”)
- Claiming the information is of extreme significance (“the most brilliant idea ever”)
Support
Does the website list the sources of the information? Do they invite you to get in touch with the author if there is a question? Can you find other web pages elsewhere on the Internet that say virtually the same thing?
Warning Signs:
- Numbers and statistics presented without identified sources
- Cannot find any backup information elsewhere stating the same claims
Apply some common sense and save yourself from accepting incorrect information! The Internet is a valuable resource, but YOU have to provide your own evaluations. |
