Overview
This lecture explains how to critically evaluate web content for use in academic research, focusing on credibility, authorship, intent, and presentation.
Assessing Authorship and Publisher Credibility
- Check who created or published the content; it could be an individual, organization, corporation, or government body.
- Review the creator’s expertise and qualifications in the subject area.
- Look for contact information, “About Us” pages, author biographies, or educational background.
- Avoid using resources when the creator’s credentials or identity are unclear.
Determining Copyright and Original Creator
- The uploader of web content (e.g., on YouTube, Reddit) may not be the original creator or copyright holder.
- Always identify the original creator and copyright holder for proper citation.
- Collaborative sites like wikis may not have a clear author, and content may be biased or frequently updated.
Evaluating Content Quality and Currency
- Verify when the content was written, published, or last updated—not just the website’s creation date.
- Assess whether content is still relevant and valid for your research needs.
- Determine the purpose of the content: to inform, persuade, or advertise.
Identifying Bias and Supporting Evidence
- Look for signs of bias and whether both sides of an argument are presented.
- Confirm that claims are supported with references to research or credible sources.
- Check if reputable sites link to the content as a sign of credibility.
Analyzing Presentation and Reliability
- Credible sites are generally well-designed, maintained, and free from excessive ads, dead links, and language errors.
- Be cautious with sites that may be satirical, humorous, or intentionally misleading.
- Consider the website’s country of origin and quality of translation.
Verifying Information
- Cross-check the information with other reliable sources, both online and offline.
- Only use web resources that meet these evaluation criteria for academic assignments.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Authorship — The identity and qualifications of the content creator.
- Copyright Holder — The person or entity with legal rights to control the distribution and use of content.
- Bias — An inclination or prejudice for or against a particular side or viewpoint.
- Wiki — A website that allows collaborative editing by users.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the evaluation criteria when selecting web resources for your assignments.
- Practice assessing the credibility of at least two web sources using these guidelines.