No matter what resource you use for an assignment (book, journal article, podcast, documentary film, etc.), you should always evaluate the source. Because anyone can create a website, it is especially important to evaluate websites (including blogs, podcasts, etc.).
- Credibility — Who is the author? What are the author's credentials? If the author's credentials aren't given on the website, that's a reason for concern.
- Purpose — What is the author's agenda or bias? Is coverage of the issue balanced (i.e., are two or more sided of the issue discussed)? If not, can you find other websites that present an opposing view? Is the author trying to inform? Entertain? Persuade?
- Be wary of the site's domain or URL. As stated above, government sites usually have a .gov domain and professional societies usually use .org. URLs with other domains, such as .com, can include excellent information, but are also easier for anyone to post on (see next bullet point).
- Accuracy — Beware of hoax sites like Dihydrogen monoxide, North Shore Visitor whale sightings, or Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus. Some sites may look much more professional than these examples, but are just as inaccurate or misleading.
- Medium — Sometimes you will find what looks like a journal article posted on a university professor's or researchers personal website. You should always look to see if this was published in a research journal. The article might seem great, but you should ask yourself why this article is posted on a website instead of published in a journal. One reason could be that no journal would publish the article because it wouldn't pass peer review. Use an article like this with caution.