Know what's happening.

Try to identify the reason the Web page was created in the first place. Determine if the main purpose is to inform, to persuade, or to sell you something. Advertising and opinion can both be disguised. If you know the motive behind the page's creation, you can better judge its content. And here is an important, if difficult, question to ask: What is not being said? Since money talks, try to notice who is paying for the site, either through advertising or sponsorship. Both can affect content and objectivity. Whether bias is intentional or not, it is a factor. For example, facts presented by the National Rifle Association concerning gun control legislation are more likely to be challenged by others than its facts on gun safety. Try to determine who the site is intended for. Simplification of facts can distort them, but if the information is too technical or jargon-ridden, you may have a hard time understanding it. Whatever the type it is, if a Web site is presenting facts or statistics, quoting a person or a passage, there should be documentation. A citation or a link should be provided. If there is no documentation, you shouldn't use the cite for research. Your next step will then be to check out the sources and test the authors' conclusions, as you would for any other research material. Questions to think about: What is the purpose of the site? Is the main purpose to inform, to persuade, or to sell you something? Do you understand what is being said? Are the facts documented? What do you think has not been said that should be addressed?

Back to the main page? or Next suggestion, please.

ICYouSee T is for Thinking
Ithaca College Library
Last modified: February 19, 2006