The readings for the week identified five questions for evaluating the credibility of online sources (quoted below).
1.what is the purpose and affiliation of the organization or author related to the article?
2.what are the author's credentials?
3.Is the information current? When was the information last updated?
4.Does the information cross-reference well with other sources?
5.Does the source contain bias without evidence to back up the claims?
How might a researcher go about seeking answers to the above questions?
http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/eval.html
Be sure to read the Criteria section. Then let us know what YOU THINK. Someone here will be happy to comment on YOUR ideas.
=)
To seek answers to the five questions mentioned in the readings for evaluating the credibility of online sources, a researcher can follow these steps:
1. Purpose and Affiliation:
- Identify the organization or author by checking the article's byline, author bio, or the "About" section on the website.
- Verify the organization's or author's credibility by cross-referencing with other sources, such as their website, social media presence, or background information available online.
2. Author's Credentials:
- Look for the author's name and background information provided in the article, on the website, or in the author's biography.
- Investigate the author's expertise, qualifications, education, or relevant experience, considering factors that establish their credibility on the topic.
3. Information Currency:
- Check for the publication or posting date of the article, typically located near the beginning or end of the content.
- Look for any indications of when the information was last updated, which is sometimes mentioned on the website, footer, or in an "About" section.
- Consider the relevance of the publication date to ensure the information is current and aligns with the research requirements.
4. Cross-Referencing:
- Compare the information from the source with other reliable and reputable sources, such as academic journals, news articles, authoritative websites, or expert opinions.
- Look for consistent or divergent information, as this can help determine the reliability and accuracy of the source under evaluation.
5. Bias and Evidence:
- Analyze the source for any evident bias or potential conflicts of interest, either in the author's background, organization's affiliation, or content slant.
- Evaluate whether the claims made in the source are supported by solid evidence, data, or reliable references.
- Consider seeking alternative perspectives to counterbalance potential bias and gain a broader understanding of the topic.
By following these steps, a researcher can effectively evaluate the credibility of online sources and make informed decisions regarding their reliability in their research or information-gathering process.