1. BVHS Learning Commons

2.  I can evaluate a source for its credibility based on my
specific research task.
 I can choose web sources that are appropriate to my
research task.

4.  Research: “a detailed study of a subject, especially in order
to discover information or reach a new understanding.”
 Source Credibility: ”the degree to which people believe and
trust what other people and organizations tell them about a
particular product or service”
 Validity: “able to be accepted”
Cambridge Dictionaries Online. Retrieved from
http://dictionary.cambridge.org.

5. Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?

6.  Who is the author/creator/sponsor? Are author's credentials
listed?
 Does the author have a reputation?
 Has the author published works in traditional formats?
 Is the author/webpage affiliated with an organization?
 What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the
information, if anything? Example: .com .edu .gov .org .net

7.  Are possible biases clearly stated?
 Is advertising content vs. informational content easily
distinguishable?
 Are editorials clearly labeled?
 Is the purpose to: inform? teach? entertain? enlighten?
sell? persuade?

8.  If relevant, when was the information gathered?
 When was it posted?
 When was it last revised?
 Are links functional and up-to-date?
 Is there evidence of newly added information or links?

9.  Where does the author get his/her information?
 Is there a bibliography?
 Where can I find the author’s sources?

10.  Why is this information relevant for my research task?
 What is the depth and breadth of the information
presented?
 Could you find the same or better information in another
source?
 Does the site provide the information you need?
 Your overall assessment is important. Would you be
comfortable using this source for a research paper?

11. • Web address contains words unrelated to what you are studying
• The site is an “answer engine” (i.e. Yahoo answers, Ask.com, etc.). If is it,
change your search term so that it is not a question.
• Your source is a blog.
• Contains inflammatory language or absolutes.
• Has not been updated in six months.
• Contains spelling or grammatical errors.
• Has ads, popups, subscriptions, or charges you for information.
• Is on Wikipedia. Wikipedia is a great place to start; use the sources at the
bottom of the page for more information.

12. http://www.hrw.org/reports/2
013/07/15/dark-side-green-
growth

13.  Miss Edwards: jedwards@bluevalleyk12.org
 Mr. Stewart: kstewart@bluevalleyk12.org