Evaluating Web Resources

Following are some areas to consider when deciding whether a particular web site is reliable.

Author Who is responsible for creating the web page? Is the person an expert in the subject area? Remember anyone can put information on the web regardless of their level of expertise or knowledge.
Date Is the web page current? Do all of its links work? Many pages are placed on the internet but then are never updated.
Profit Motive Is someone making money off of this page? If so, the information may be slanted in the hopes of encouraging people to spend money, give money, etc.
Research Is the web page supported with documentation, graphs, quotes, footnotes, a bibliography, etc.? Does it appear studious?
Sponsor Who is hosting or sponsoring the webpage? Does the host or sponsor have a reputation for excellence in the field being discussed? A medical page from the Mayo Clinic can be assumed to have validity. A medical page from Good-Health-Is-Us Clinic needs to be examined with much more care.

Additional Information

Below are some links that further explore the issue of evaluating webpages.