Find Useful Websites: How do I know if a website is reliable?
A great way to know if the information you find on a website is reliable
and appropriate for your research assignment is to ask
your professor, TA, or a librarian.
Here are some questions you could ask yourself about a website when deciding whether it is appropriate to use for a research assignment:
Who is the author of this web site?
- If an individual:
- Is this person an expert in his/her field or an amateur of hobbyist?
- If a group or organization:
- Is this an organization you would expect to provide accurate, unbiased information?
Is the information provided reliable, well-organized and easy to use?
- Is supportive evidence provided for information on the site, for example, citations to other relevant research?
Why does the site exist?
- Is the primary purpose of the site to inform, persuade, or sell a
product or service?
Learn more about evaluating websites