WISE: Evaluating information
When you use the WWW as a research tool, evaluation is very important
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Make sure the information is accurate and reliable,
- What is the information?
- Who made the webpage?
- Where does it come from?
- Why was it made?
- When was it made / updated
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Contents
Try various sources for the same information to check accuracy. In general, the source of the information guarantees credibility and reliability. |
Authorship
Identify the author of the webpage. Sometimes copyright information, which may be found at the bottom of a webpage, reveals authorship. If information about the author is not shown, find a link to the About me, About us or Contact webpage on the homepage. Unknown authorship may mean the information comes from a dubious or unverified source. |
Source
Domain names indicate whether the information is from an authoritative source such as govt.nz. Make sure the author is qualified or authorised to provide the information. Note whether the webpage has any credentials from authorities. |
Purpose
Advocacy websites
promote particular points of view on controversial topics such as abortion or politics. |
Commercial websites
are designed to promote or sell products and services and may be biased. |
Academic websites
do not promote a particular point of view so the information is usually balanced and unbiased. |
Personal or recreational websites
may be useful but check the source, as anybody can publish on the web. |
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Currency
Look to see when the webpage was created or updated as many websites do not contain a publication date. If available, make sure the information is up-to-date. Currency of information does not necessarily guarantee quality. It depends on your needs. |
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