The document provides a checklist for evaluating websites with questions about validity, bias, and overall quality. It evaluates the website http://www.thedogisland.com. It finds that the author is not named and seems to be biased as the purpose is to get visitors to send their dogs to Dog Island, and there is advertising. Based on the scores and answers, the document concludes that this is not a good website to use for a school project.

1. Check List for Evaluating Web Sites
WEBSITE:_________ http://www.thedogisland.com _______
Answer “Yes”, or “No” to the questions below... OR
Rate on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = poor; 5 = excellent):
Confidentiality means that the information is for private use. Giving that information to others could
cause ethical problems. Eg. The personal medical files of a patient could not be published by the doctor
without special permission from the patient.
Validity means truth, logic, and trustworthiness. When evaluating an electronic resource, separately
look at the validity of the author, the publisher and the facts.
A. Author Validity: Is the author named; what makes the author qualified to write about the subject?
________________________________NO__________________
B. Publisher Validity: Is the company/organization publishing the information trustworthy?
_________________________NO_____________________________
C. Fact Validity: Are links available to check facts? ___________NO_______________
Are references provided from which the facts were taken? ______________NO____________
1. The information in the website seems to be correct and can be found on other web sites and in print
materials ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
2. If there are pictures on the page, the pictures seem to be original and not edited. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
3. The information is up to date. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
4. The author is identified and can be contacted. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
5. There are no examples of stereotyping. Eg. Racial, cultural, faith and gender. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
6. All people and cultures that are represented are depicted respectfully.. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
Bias means information that is incorrect or incomplete. For example, a tobacco manufacturer might
leave out some facts about the dangers of tobacco in a document about cigarettes in order to make the
company look better or to sell their product. This prejudiced information is biased.
Focus on: A. What is the purpose of the information? ___________To get you to send your dog to Dog
Island__
B. Is there any reason that the author or publisher would want to withhold facts?__YES____
C. Is there any advertising in the document? ( Can be biased in order to please the
advertiser(s)) ___________________YES__________________________
7. The site is relatively free of bias. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
8. The information is factual, and not just an opinion of the author. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
9. If a controversial topic, both points of view are represented. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
Further questions to be asked for general validity:
10. The website is attractive, well organized and has eye-catching visuals. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
11. Words are spelled correctly and the grammar is correct. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
12. All of the hyperlinks are working, well chosen and well organized. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
13. The website is easy to navigate and the home page can always be accessed. ( 1 2 3 4 5 )
Therefore based on your scores and answers above is this a good website to use for gathering information
for a school project? ______________________NO_________________________
__________________________________________________________________________