EVALUATING WORLD WIDE WEB SITES
Short List of Questions
You can assure that the information you find on the Web is credible and appropriate for scholarly research if you evaluate it on the following criteria:
AUTHORITY | ACCURACY | OBJECTIVITY | CURRENCY | COVERAGE
Authority: Author is easily identified in the documentation; qualified to write and publish on the subject; affiliated with a credible and reputable institution and/or publisher. The author is well-known and respected in the field of study.
Accuracy: It is noted on the Web page that the information is peer-reviewed, edited, and all facts have been checked. There are no typos in the text and the information is presented coherently.
Objectivity: Information is presented without bias; both sides of the issue are represented; the author, institution, and/or publisher are not using the information to influence the reader and serve their own interests. The authors acknowledge any controversial aspects or limitations to the information/research they are providing.
Currency: Information is up-to-date or very recently updated; the date of the last update is clearly displayed. For primary and seminal works in a subject area, the currency element is irrelevant, as the inherent worth of the work gives it longevity.
Coverage: The content reflects the author has a knowledge of the subject matter and is aware of current trends in the field. The author shows knowledge of schools of thought, theories, and methodologies appropriate for research in the subject areas addressed. The document provides the information proposed in the thesis statement and additional resources, such as a bibliographies, works cited, links to other relevant Web sites, and information about similar research and researchers in the subject area are offered. All information offered is cited in the appropriate format for the subject areas and is verifiable.
Use the following short list of questions to evaluate Web sites/pages/documents.
1. Who is the author/source?
2. What are the author's reputation and qualifications in the subject covered?
3. Is the information on the site accurate?
4. Is the information presented in an objective, balanced manner?
5. How does the site compare with other sites on the same subject?
6. Does the site contribute something unique on the subject?
7. Is the material on the site covered adequately?
8. How current is the information?
9. Is the site appropriate for the intended audience?
10. Is the information well written?
11. How stable is the connection to the site?
12. How well is the site maintained?
13. Does the site tell you when it was last updated?
14. If there are links to other sites, do they work?
15. Is it easy to move around and locate information on the site?
16. Does the site require additional software or hardware?
17. Do illustrations, video, or audio add value to the site?
Special thanks to:
URL: http://www.iat.unc.edu/guides/irg-49.html
Maintained by: Carolyn Kotlas
© Copyright 1997, Institute for Academic Technology. All rights reserved.
EVALUATING WORLD WIDE WEB SITES
Comprehensive Evaluation Form
Name:____________________________________________ Date:________________
Class/Section:______________________________________
Title of site: _____________________________________________________________
URL: http://____________________________________________
Subject:________________________________________________________________
Audience site/page created for:______________________________________________
Web Site Developer/Author: (if available):______________________________________
Web Site Corporate/Institutional Sponsor/Owner:________________________________
Web Content Author(s):____________________________________________________
CURRENCY:
Today's date:____________________________
Date site/page last updated:____________________________
AUTHORITY:
1. The author's name(s) was easy to find.
TRUE
FALSE
NOT APPLICABLE
2. The author is a qualified authority and should be writing on this/these topic(s).
3. The sponsoring business/organization/institution has credibility in this field.
4. Information about the sponsoring business/organization is readily available.
5. A contact person and/or Web site/page sponsor address is readily available.
COVERAGE:
1. This site/page includes information on my topic which is appropriate, relevant and comprehensive.
2. This site/page offers links to other sites/pages on my topic which are appropriate, relevant and worthwhile.
3. This site/page includes information on subjects related to my topic which is appropriate, relevant and comprehensive.
4. This site/page offers links to other sites/pages on subjects related to my topic which are appropriate, relevant and worthwhile.
OBJECTIVITY:
1. The author and the sponsoring organization/institution have nothing to gain financially by providing this information.
2. The author and the sponsoring organization/institution are presenting this Web site/page primarily to enhance their reputation rather than provide information.
3. The business that owns this site/page is trying to sell products and services through this site/page.
4. The advertising on the page is obvious and presented separately from the informational content.
5. The names of individuals and/or institutions offering testimonials are prominently displayed, with contact information (email and/or postal mail address).
ACCURACY:
1. It is stated on the Web site/page that the information is peer-reviewed.
2. The information has been edited and the editor(s) name is listed on the site/page.
3. The information has been reviewed by fact checkers who are named.
4. The site/page is clearly labeled and organized.
5. The information is presented coherently.
Speed:
The Web site/page downloads efficiently.
If slow, are the pages too long?
If slow, are the graphics too large?
General appearance:
You can tell where you are immediately.
Site/page is attractive, has strong eye appeal.
The home page makes you want to continue exploring the site.
Ease of navigation:
You can move from page to page, link to link, item to item with ease,
without getting lost or confused.
There are sufficient links for both backward and forward movement.
The links are helpful and appropriate.
There is a sufficient number of links.
There are links to other helpful sites.
Use of graphics/sound/video:
The graphics/sounds/video make a significant contribution to the site.
The graphics/sounds/video are clearly labeled, clearly identified.
Each graphic/sound/video serves a clear purpose.