1. WEBSITE EVALUATION
How do I know the information I find is credible,
accurate, reasonable, and supportive?
By: Madelyn Santiago

2. Why students need to evaluate
Internet sources
Anyone can put up anything on the
Internet.
 It is difficult to determine if the
information is necessary or valid.
 Is the site filtered or reviewed?


3. CARS
Credibility- Check Author’s Purpose
 Accuracy- Check the date, grammar, and

spelling
Reasonableness- Check the tone & bias
 Support- Check the sponsor

Helpful acronym when evaluating a
webpage

4. The 5 W’s (and1H) of
Cyberspace
 Who
 What
 When
 Where
 Why
 How

5. Who is the source of
information?
It is important to know who is giving you the
information so you know whether to believe
and trust that information.
 Can you locate the author’s name?-usually at

the top or bottom of the page

Can the author’s credibility be confirmed?

6. What is the information?
It is important to know what kind of
information you are getting when you are
deciding if you should trust the information
on a website.
 Is the information accurate?
 Does the information you are evaluating
agree with trusted sources such as an
encyclopedia?
 Can bias, emotion, persuasion, or
alternative viewpoints be identified?


7. When was the site created?
It is important to know if the information is
current.
 Can you find the date the site was created
or last updated?
 Are the provided links working and current?


8. Where are you getting your
information from?

The URL (website address) can tell you where your
information is coming from. This can help
determine if the source of the information is
reliable.
.com = commercial site
.net =e-business
.org =not for profit organziations
.edu = colleges, universities, and other
schools
.gov agency of the US government

9. Where are you getting your
information from?

The URL (website address) can tell you where your
information is coming from. This can help
determine if the source of the information is
reliable.
.com = commercial site
.net =e-business
.org =not for profit organziations
.edu = colleges, universities, and other
schools
.gov agency of the US government

10. Why was the site created?
Knowing why someone created the site can help
you know whether to trust the information.
 Is the site trying to:
Sell something
educate/inform
get support or
sounding off?


11. How is the site put together?





Is the site well organized?
Are there any grammatical errors?
Are the links easy to follow?
Do you have to register to use the site?
Is there a fee?