Transcript Web Resource Evaluation Techniques

Web Resource Evaluation
Techniques
Topics
• Why: Importance of Web
Evaluation
• How: Five Evaluation Criteria
Why do we need to
evaluate Web information?
• Quality of Web resources varies
tremendously
• Anyone can create a Web page
• No one is doing this for us
How do we
evaluate Web
Information?
Five Evaluation Criteria
1. Accuracy
2. Authority
3. Objectivity
4. Currency
5. Coverage
Criterion #1: Accuracy
• Reliable?
Can you believe the
information?
• Free from error?
Accuracy of Web
Resources
• Anyone can publish on the Web
• Many Web resources not verified by
editors
“So what if it’s not true?”
Criterion #2: Authority
• What are the author’s qualifications
for writing on the subject?
• How reputable is the publisher?
Authority of Web
Resources
• Often difficult to find out who author
is
• Even if author’s name is listed,
his/her qualifications frequently are
absent
• Publisher responsibility often not
indicated
Authority
Puppies Web site
• http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/5000/tips.html
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Author listed?
Qualifications listed?
Contact information provided?
Is he linked to an organization?
Authority
Asian Studies site
http://coombs.anu.edu.au/WWWVL-AsianStudies.html
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Author listed?
Qualifications listed?
Contact information provided?
Is he linked to an organization?
Criterion #3: Objectivity
• Biased?
Is the information trying
to sway the opinion of
the audience?
Objectivity of Web
Resources
• Web often functions as a
virtual soapbox
• Goals/aims of persons or
groups presenting material
often not clearly stated
Criterion #4: Currency
• Publication date clearly
indicated?
• Up-to-date?
When was page last
updated?
Currency of Web Resources
• Dates not always included
• A date may have various
meanings:
a. Date first created
b. Date placed on Web
c. Date last revised
Criterion #5: Coverage
• What topics are
included?
• To what depth are
topics explored?
Coverage of Web Resources
• Web coverage may differ
from print or other coverage
• Hard to determine extent of
Web coverage
Is it complete?
Is whole article or work
there?
Additional Challenge:
Use of Hypertext Links
• Quality of Web pages linked to
original may vary
Just because original page was good
doesn’t mean link will be good
• Does site tell you when you are
going beyond the site?
• Evaluate each Web page
independently
Challenge: Blending of
Information and Advertising
• On the Web, distinctions
between advertising and
information may not be clear
• Are advertising and
informational content supplied
by the same person or
organization?
Identify the Type of Web Page
• Advocacy
• Business/Marketing
• Informational
• News
• Personal
• Entertainment
Challenge:
Software Requirements May
Limit Access to Information
• Full access may require
additional software
»Adobe
»Flash
»Etc.
Challenge:
Instability of Web Pages
• Web pages may move or
disappear without notice
• Web pages can be altered
at any times
• User may not be able to
refer back to a Web page
Coping Strategy: Web Pages
Susceptible to Alteration
Document source to the
fullest extent possible
right away
Review:
Five Evaluation Criteria
1. Accuracy
2. Authority
3. Objectivity
4. Currency
5. Coverage
Credits
Original PowerPoint created by Jan
Alexander & Marsha Ann Tate
Wolfgram Memorial Library
Widener University
Modified by Denys Whelan,
Whitmore Lake H.S., April 2004