How to Determine Website Credibility

By Alanacausey

Rate: (5 Ratings)

How do you know that a website is giving you accurate information? Here are tips that will help you determine a website's credibility. Keep these tips in mind whenever you are looking for accurate, credible information on the Internet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Internet connection

Step1
Look at the URL address of the website. The URL address starts with http://. Addresses ending in .gov, .us and .(STATE ABBREVIATION) are reliable. All other endings will require more investigation to know if they are credible or not.
Step2
URL address that contain tildes (~) usually mean that an individual published the site. Individual publishers unaffiliated with a credible corporation can have their own agendas. These sites may not have the most credible information.
Step3
Check the publishing date. Obviously, Internet pages that have been published more recently are more credible.
Step4
Figure out the site's purpose. Sites that are selling you something or asking you to sign up for something may not be present you with neutral, unbiased information.
Step5
Check out the contact information and resources. Credible websites should list contact information and resources.
Step6
Decide if the article is describing facts or the author's opinions. Statements that start with "I think" or "From my experience" aren't as reliable as those that begin with "Experts recommend" or "Research proves."
Step7
Ask yourself whether or not the article has answered all of your questions after you have finished reading it. If the article still leaves you with questions, it may not be the most credible source.

Tips & Warnings

  • Always check more than one website when looking for credible information.
  • Don't quote or use information from website you think are questionable.

Resources

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eHow Article: How to Determine Website Credibility

eHow Member: Alanacausey

Alanacausey

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Category: Education

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