Years ago libraries were the only sources for finding information. Today all researchers have to do is log on to the internet to find a wealth of data on just about any subject. Although the internet is known as the “Information Highway”, not everything found there is true. That’s why it’s important to evaluate web sites before using them.
Determining the Source of a Web Page
The first step in evaluating a web page is to determine the source of the site. In other words, researchers need to find out who’s providing the information. Is it just any “John Doe” or is it from a reputable source?
Researches can check a web site’s source by examining the site’s “url”. For example “.com” doesn’t mean “computer”, as many people believe, but pertains to company. The ending “.edu” is for educational and “.org” refers to a nonprofit organization. Governmental sources end with “.gov.”
Reliable Internet Sites
Government web sites are considered reliable sources. For example, when doing a report where statistics are needed, the U.S. Census Bureau web site is a good one. Besides statistics, this site has maps and information on subjects such as industries, news and other data useful for an article.
The Library of Congress Online Catalog is another excellent governmental source. News organizations have much information, but should be examined for any political bias.
Unreliable Internet Services
Avoid Wikipedia. One of the first sources that pop up from a Google search is Wikipedia. Although it may be an interesting and fun site, Wikipedia is not reliable. This site can be updated by anyone at any time. Unfortunately, much information on Wikipedia is not accurate. On the other hand, it can be used for hints for finding information on more trustworthy sites.
Don’t use personal websites. The internet is packed with personal blogs and websites where people share information that may not be accurate.
Using Online Libraries
Library reference books may be more reliable than internet sources, but that doesn’t mean researchers have to travel to a local library and dig through dusty, old reference books. Much academic research can be done by taking advantage of the growing number of online libraries filled with trusted information.
Public Libraries.com provides researchers with online libraries of public and private libaries, as well as those of higher American educational institutions in all states. All a researcher has to do is choose a subject in the search box for a wealth of information.
The Citizendium is a relatively new online encyclopedia site. Although it’s created by the same people who put together Wikipedia, its authors have more credentials and the information is more dependable.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Often students and new writers are confused about what constitutes plagiarism. They mistakenly believe that they’re safe from plagiarism by simply rearranging a few words.
A work is thought to contain plagiarism if the writer changes few words, as well as the order of the original sentence without giving credit to the source. To ensure a text is free of plagiarism, use a plagiarism checker such as Article Checker.com or Dustball.com
Finally, check the date of an article. For example, if it was written a couple of years ago, it’s not as timely as if it had been written within the last year or even the last few months, as much can change in only a few weeks. Most of all thoroughly edit material before submitting it. It’s a good idea to let the copy sit for a few days and then reread it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Resources
Poewar Writing Career Center: Effective and Efficient Research Methods (date accessed 7/29/2010).
Duke University Libraries: Evaluating Web Pages (date accessed 7/29/2010)
Venice Kichura - Venice Kichura is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of subjects. She holds a special passion for topics relating to art and ...
