It's online, but Is It On Target?: Part 3

It’s Online, but Is It On Target?
Part 3

Dot-What?

Look at the site’s address. What follows the dot?

·        Dot-com is not only for businesses; anyone can use it. Dot-coms include well-known and respected companies, but also private individuals.

·        Dot-org usually indicates a non-for-profit organization. Most dot-org websites present unbiased information, but others have political agendas, focus on debatable issues instead of facts, and might not present all opinions regarding the subject.

·        Dot-gov indicates a government website at the federal, state or local level. The federal government is a good source of statistics, and its sites are widely considered among the most reliable.

·        Dot-mil is used by sites associated with the military.

·        Dot-edu usually indicates a website associated with an educational institution. While its published research is generally considered very trustworthy, anyone associated with the university, whether a world-renowned scholar or a freshman, can access the server. Professors sometimes post student assignments on the website, but that does not mean that they’re vouching for the information’s accuracy.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

It Is Online, but Is It On Target?

It Is Online, but Is It On Target?
Part 2

Research with a Skeptical Attitude

Conduct your research with the attitude of a skeptic. As you examine websites for clues that proves them to be trustworthy, ask yourself these questions:

·        Who published the web page? If you can’t identify the individual or organization responsible for the information, don’t use it.

·        What are the author’s qualifications for writing on the subject?

·        Has the article passed through an editorial process to ensure quality and accuracy?

·        What is the websites purpose? Identify motives --- such as selling products or winning votes for an election --- that could result in biased or incomplete/ misleading information.

·        Is the information accurate? Has it been updated?

·        What are the author’s sources for reference?

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!