LEARNING RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY

Guidelines for Critical Viewing of Websites

Election Websites

1. Credibility: 
   1. Author/Source:
      • Do you recognize the name? 
      • Is this information from an expert in the field or a "bogus individual"? 
      •  Is there a way to contact the author?
   2. Bibliography/Reference Links: 
      • Does the author provide additional sources? 
      • What was the source of the information? 
      • Is there an organization that is sponsoring the webpage (homepage to the source--.gov, .com, .edu, .org)?
   3. Bias: 
      • Is the writer trying to make a profit? 
        Is the writer being objective -- Is the writer only presenting his/her view?
         
2. Reliability of Content: 
   1. Is there a way to back up the information through other sources? 
   2. Does the information meet the needs of my research?
   3. Is there a date stating when the website was updated?  (Is it current?  Does it make a difference to answering the question?)
       
3. Quality of Writing: 
   1. Does the author use correct grammar?
   2. Is the spelling accurate?
   3. Was the language difficult to understand (i.e. too technical)
       
4. Technical Elements: 
   1. Are there links to other websites? 
   2. Is the website easy to "get around'?
   3. How long does it take to locate meaningful information?
   4. Appearance
      • Is the site pleasing to the eye (font, size and color; background color)? 
      • Are there graphics?  Do they detract or enhance the website?

A WORD ABOUT PLAGIARISM:  Plagiarism is defined as taking someone else's work, and saying it belongs to you.  It is ILLEGAL, and will not be tolerated in school.  If you cite someone's work properly, giving the author credit, you may include it in your research.