Websites are a great place to look for information, but not all websites contain information suitable for research assignments. Generally credible sources include:
- Government websites ending in .gov
- Education websites ending in .edu
- Professional organizations ending in .org
Here are some additional tips for evaluating website credibility:
- Check the Author: Look for information about the author or organization responsible for the content. Credible authors usually have relevant qualifications or affiliations.
- Examine the Date: Ensure the information is up-to-date. Outdated information may no longer be accurate.
- Review the Sources: Credible websites often cite their sources. Check if the website provides references or links to original research.
- Assess the Design: Professional-looking websites are more likely to be credible. Be cautious of sites with excessive ads or poor design.
- Look for Bias: Evaluate whether the website presents information objectively or if it has a particular agenda.
If you're unsure about the credibility of a website, discuss it with your instructor before using it for an assignment.
