Latin American Cuisine Concentration: Evaluating Websites

Use these Guidelines to Determine Credibility and Reliability
 

CRITERIA:

• Authority – WHO?
• Objectivity & Purpose – WHY?
• Accuracy of content – WHAT?
• Currency – WHEN?
• Coverage & Design – HOW?

Questions to Ask: 

For example, apply the following questions to these two sites and compare:  www.fda.gov and www.fda.com

WHO?

• Who is the author and what are their qualifications, expertise or credentials?
• Is the site from a reputable organization or institution?
• Is there an ABOUT section?  Is contact information provided?
• What can the URL and domain tell you? For example: .com, .org, .edu,  .gov.

WHY?

• What is the purpose of the Web site?
• Is there a mission statement or "About Us" page? 
• Is the site balanced and objective? Is there a particular point of view or bias?
• Is there advertising and what kind? Is the site trying to sell you something?

WHAT?

• Does the site provide accurate factual information that can be verified?
• Are the sources cited? Is there a reference list or bibliography?
• Could the page or site be ironic, like a satire or a spoof?

WHEN?

• When was the site created and last updated?
• Are the links current and working?

HOW?

• Is the site easy to read, use and navigate?
• Is there a site map or a “Help” page? Is there a search function for the site?