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The rapid growth of the internet provides us with new information sources daily. Unfortunately, web hoaxes and misinformation are also multiplying rapidly - so it's a good idea to take a closer look at web-based resources. Following is a checklist designed to help you evaluate internet resources during the research process.

Consider the Source

• Who is the author and why was the information published? If the author isn't identified, you may want to consider switching sources.
• Are the author's qualifications noted? Look for other items the author has published?
• Check the web site's source. Is the publisher a .com (commercial) .gov (government) or .edu (education)? A ~ in the URL usually indicates a personal page.
• Does the author belong to a specific advocacy group?
• Is copyright information given?
• Is there a print version of the online document?
• Is a phone number or address given for verification purposes?

Take a Critical Approach

• Approach the material with a healthy dose of skepticism. Is it relevant? Does it cover the subject area well?
• Are all important aspects of the topic covered?
• Is the website selling anything?
• Is advertising included on the website? Could the content be biased toward advertisers?
• In a commercial site are links provided to external product reviews or reports?
• Is the website listed in net guides or directories.
• Does the content include citations or a bibliography? Are the citations made to scholarly works or limited to newspaper articles?
• Beware of malicious websites. Compare the authentic World Bank site with a parody site.

Currency

• Does the resource stay current through regular updates?
• Is a date of publication or posting given?
• Do statistics, annual reports, and other numerical figures include dates?
• Is a copyright date given?
• Is the resource reliable and stable (consistently available)?

Usability

• Is the information well organized? Is the content presented in a logical manner?
• Are help files available?
• Is the interface easy to understand and search?

Check up on internet hoaxes and misinformation at Urban Legends.