Content: Accuracy, Relevancy, and Bias

Next, let's take a look at the content of the website. Is it relevant and to your topic? Does it seem accurate and unbiased?

Relevancy

• What is the site about? Is the information useful to your research?
• Does the site provide you with new information, or does it just restate information you already know?
• Is the level of information is appropriate for your research? Is it directed at a specialized or a general audience?

Accuracy

• Are references provided for the information on the site? Credible sites should provide references for the facts and perspectives they present.
• Can the information be verified? Look for quotations, data, statistics, or other facts that you can check against other sources. Key facts should always be verified to ensure they are accurate. You may want to read the works cited to verify that ideas have not been misrepresented or taken out of context.

Bias

• What is the author's point of view or bias? Does the author or publisher's bias impact the reliability of the information provided?
• Does the site include opposing viewpoints? This can indicate a more balanced information source.
• Does the site use emotional language, prejudice, stereotypes, deception, or manipulation? Avoid sites that use extreme or deceptive techniques to push their point of view.