Web Sources and Resources

Perhaps the biggest concern researchers have with the Internet is not where and how to find information but how to evaluate and make sense of the information that they do find. Instructors commonly remind students to apply extra effort in assessing the relevance, credibility, and accuracy of online sources. You'll need to consider the unfiltered nature of sources, look at their credibility, authority and verifiability and think about commercial or personal interests as you evaluate online information.

The resources and information collected here will get you started. For more move on to

Genres of Internet Sources

Information about the kinds of materials you are likely to find on the Net including email, newsgroup, chat and Web resources.

Print and Online Characteristics

Find here discussion of some of the differences between and strengths and weaknesses of print and online information.

Recommended Evaluation Sites

Links to some of the most useful sites on the Web that discuss evaluation.

Evaluating Web Resources

Information specifically geared toward assessing materials found on the Web.

Evaluating Conversational Resources

Find here discussion and information about assessing Internet conversations including discussion lists, newsgroups and Web forums and chat resources.

Or, if your critical eye is focused, move on to the search engines.