{"id":754,"date":"2017-04-03T21:28:23","date_gmt":"2017-04-03T21:28:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-researchsuccess\/?post_type=chapter&p=754"},"modified":"2017-04-13T17:19:34","modified_gmt":"2017-04-13T17:19:34","slug":"evaluating-websites","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-researchsuccess\/chapter\/evaluating-websites\/","title":{"raw":"Evaluating Websites","rendered":"Evaluating Websites"},"content":{"raw":"
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\r\n\r\nWhat are the clues for inferring a source\u2019s relevancy and credibility? Let\u2019s start with evaluating websites, since we all do so much of our research online. But we\u2019ll also include where to find clues relevant to sources in other formats when they differ from what\u2019s good to use with websites. Looking at specific places in the sources will mean you don\u2019t have to read all of every resource to determine its worth to you.\r\n\r\nNote: Since we all do so much of our research online, this lesson emphasizes how to evaluate websites as sources. But along the way, we\u2019ll interject information about evaluating sources in other formats, too, when it differs from what\u2019s used with websites.\r\n

What Used to Help<\/h1>\r\nIt used to be easier to draw conclusions about an information source\u2019s credibility, depending on whether it was a print source or a web source. We knew we had to be more careful about\u00a0information on the web\u2013simply because all the filters that promoted accuracy involved in the print publishing process were absent from most web publishing. After all, it takes very little money,\u00a0skill, and responsible intent to put content on the web, compared with what has to be done to convince print publishers your content is accurate and that they will make money by printing it.\r\n\r\nHowever, many publishers who once provided only print materials have now turned to the web and have brought along their rigorous standards for accuracy. Among them are the publishers of\u00a0government, university, and scholarly (peer-reviewed) journal websites. Sites for U.S. mainline news organizations also strive for accuracy rather than persuasion\u2013because they know their\u00a0readers have traditionally expected it. All in all, more websites now take appropriate care for accuracy than what used to be true on the web.\r\n\r\nNonetheless, it still remains very easy and inexpensive to publish on the web without any of the filters associated with print. So we all still need the critical thinking skills you\u2019ll learn here to\u00a0determine whether websites\u2019 information is credible and relevant enough to suit your purpose.\r\n

6 Factors to Consider<\/h1>\r\nEvaluating a website means considering the six factors below in relation to your purpose for the information. These factors are what you should gather clues about and use to decide whether a\u00a0site is right for your purpose.\r\n