Evaluating web pages
Text Version
Evaluating web pages
Why evaluate webpages?
The Internet has revolutionised research. Instead of looking only at print resources, it is now possible to have fast and easy access to the best and the worst on the Web. This may make you think that the Internet is a better source of information than books and journals. In fact you need to be more careful with information found on the web because anyone can set up a web page. In contrast, the publishers of print materials (even those available online) carefully control and check what goes out under their name. The online databases available through the Library, are evaluated and selected by University librarians. Studies have shown that most people judge a website on its look rather than its content. Be careful not to fall into this trap. |
Accuracy
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Authority
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Objectivity
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Currency
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Coverage
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Analysing a web address/URL
Think critically about the sources of the information you find on the Internet. You can tell a lot about whether an internet site is reliable or appropriate for your needs by analysing the URL (universal resource locator). The main part of the name (usually appears first, or straight after www) tells you the name of the organisation or host of the site (e.g. monash.edu or monash.gov.au).
The domain (usually one of the last parts of the main URL) tells you the nature of the organisation:
The domain (usually one of the last parts of the main URL) tells you the nature of the organisation: |
It is important to be aware of who is providing the information, for example: information on research into smoking and lung cancer might be more reliable if it comes from an .edu site than if it is a .com site related to the tobacco industry, or a .org site from an anti-tobacco group. |
Sometimes it is important to consider the country in which the domain is registered (and pages are likely to be written), particularly where this is likely to relate to political perspectives, availability of resources or particular systems (e.g. health or education systems). Country codes appear at the end of the main URL and consist of two letters. Absence of a specific country code suggests either registration in the USA, or an international entity (e.g. monash.edu).
The domain (usually one of the last parts of the main URL) tells you the nature of the organisation: | .au = Australia .cn = China .my = Malaysia .nz = New Zealand .za = South Africa |
Note that it is important to evaluate the relevance of the material on the site to your particular context. Also consider if more appropriate or academic sources are available for the same information. The first source you find isn’t always the best one to use!