1. A beginner ’ s guide to web research. 5 Questions to Ask About Research Websites

2. Are there facts? Are they correct? Does the page have the facts that I am looking for? Can I understand the page? Can I check the facts and make sure they ’ re true and correct? This is referred to as “ Accuracy ”.

3. Why did someone make this page? Is the page trying to sell something? Is it trying to persuade or convince? Is it educational or informative? Is there bias (does it only have one point of view? This is referred to as “ Purpose ”.

4. Is it useful? Does the page have pictures? Could you use those pictures to explain the facts? Are the pictures related to the text of the page? This has to do with “ Usability ”. Does the page fit the needs of the user?

5. Is there proof? Does the page have links to confirm the facts? Do the links take me to pages with multiple points of view? Are all the links active? Can I verify the information elsewhere? This is referred to as “ Veracity ”.

6. Is anyone looking after the page? Has it been updated? Can you tell? If it has not been updated, is the information current? Do the links work? Is it part of a larger network of pages? Do you know who published it? This is also referred to as “ Currency ”

7. Who made it? Can you find an author ’ s name? Is there a way to contact them? Can you find other information about the author in other searches? Is the author qualified to create the page? Is the author part of a larger collective? This is also referred to as “ Authority ”.