1. EVALUATING INTERNET SOURCES
FACT OR OPINION
Facts are often written as a simple statement, for example ‘Fiji lies in the Pacific Ocean’.
Opinions are often supported by evidence.
Facts are easily recognized because phrases like ‘possibly’, ‘maybe’, ‘it is probable’ etc. are used.
Opinions are sometimes easily recognized because words like ‘believe’, ‘opinion’, ‘think’’ , ‘could’,
‘might’ and ‘would’ are used.
BIAS
Bias is a lack of objectivity or fairness in the treatment of topics.
On websites the bias can sometimes be identified when information keeps directing you to purchase a
product or products.
VALIDITY OF INFORMATION
For information to be valid, it must be both accurate and reliable.
For reliability you must check the source of the data.
Check the publisher of the data
Find out how information was collected.
ACCURACY
Check the accuracy of data. Check if other reliable sites have links to it.
Check if the site contains lots of advertisements.
HOW CURRENT THE MATERIAL IS ?
Check how upto date the website is. (Check the dates)
Another indicator of a site’s validity is the use of endorsements from reputable organizations.
READABILITY OF INFORMATION or SUITABLE FOR THE AUDIENCE.
The information must be in a format that will be easily read by the proposed target audience.