It’s Online, but Is It On Target?

Part 3

Dot-What?

Look at the site’s address. What follows the dot?

·        Dot-com is not only for businesses; anyone can use it. Dot-coms include well known and respected companies, but also private individuals.

·        Dot-org usually indicates a not-for-profit organization. Many dot-orgs have political agendas, focus on debatable issues instead of facts, and might not present all sides of an argument.

·        Dot-gov indicates a government website at the federal, state, or local level. The federal government is a good source of statistics, and its sites are widely considered among the most reliable.

·        Dot-mil is used by sites that are part of the military.

·        Dot-edu usually indicates a university website. While its published research is generally considered very trustworthy, anyone associated with the university, whether a world-renowned scholar or a freshman, can be given space on a server. Professors sometimes put student’s course work up on the Web, but that doesn’t mean they’re vouching for the information’s accuracy.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

It’s Online, but Is It On Target?

Part 2

Research with Attitude

Conduct your research with the attitude of a skeptic. As you examine websites for clues that they’re trustworthy, ask these questions:

·       Who wrote the Web page? If you can’t identify the individual or organization responsible for the information, don’t use it.

·       What are the author’s qualifications for writing on the subject?

·       Has the article passed through an editorial process designed to ensure quality and accuracy?

·       What is the website’s purpose? Look for motives – like selling products or winning votes – that could result in biased or incomplete information.

·       Is the information accurate? Is it up to date?

·       Where did the author get the information?

 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!