Credible Sources

Website Domains

100

Based on the domain, do you think this website would be credible or not? Why? www.findingthefacts.com

It may not be credible because it is a .com site which could mean someone altered the information. You should also examine the site's contents in addition to the URL.

200

(True or False) If you find information off a website that has a url of .org, you need to determine if the information being provided is bias before incorporating it into your paper

True.

300

(True or False) A person conducting research can use all and any information on the internet.

False

400

What else should you examine about website, besides the domain, to determine if it's credible or not?

If it's clean, professional, organized, free of ads and grammar errors.

500

What domains are most likely reliable?

.edu, .mil, .gov, and a trusted .com/.org site

Reliability

100

(True or False) Identifying the date of a source (when it was written) is not important.

False

200

(True or False) A reliable source is appropriate to the topic and time that we are writing about.

True

300

If the publishing date is 1960, what should you do?

It is not current, so you should further evaluate the site to see if it might be credible.

400

When would it be appropriate to chose a dated source in an argument?

Answers vary

500

What makes a source reliable?

Worthy of being trusted; supported with facts; unbiased; thorough and details rather than brief; etc. etc.

Evaluation

100

Should you question whether a website has spelling errors or other grammar mistakes?

Yes

200

Which of the following would NOT be a reliable source for nutritional information? A) Magazine on Health B) The American Dietetic Association C) Universities D) The New England Journal of Medicine

A) Magazine on Health

300

Why should we look at who sponsored a website or article?

The sponsor could have paid the author to say whatever will benefit them.

400

When is it okay not to evaluate a source for reliability?

NEVER!

500

Name at least two things you should look at when evaluating a source's credibility.

Author, Title of Article, What the source is about, Publication Date, Website, Who is producing the source  

Other

100

(True or False) You should ask yourself, "Who is the author?", when evaluating a website.

True

200

How can you determine if the author of a website is reliable?

You can search the name and verify his credentials. There is a biography or about the author section.

300

Where is your reference page located and where are your in-text citations?

The reference page is towards the end of your paper or presentation. In-text citations are located in your text at the end of the specific source you mention. 

400

What items do you need to generate an in-text citation?

Author name (Last); Year of publication; Page number, paragraph referenced, or video timestamp

500

Why is it important to look at citations or a bibliography on a website?

To determine the legitimacy of the information provided; ask yourself if the bibliography shows quality research.