Fact-check articles, make sure writers are using reliable sources.
I am not only writing myself, but I recommend that you fact check sources in the articles that you read. I have researched and put a little something together. The internet makes things so much easier to research, but also as a writer, we can just as easily link the source of information.
Keep reading for tips on how to differentiate a good source from a bad source.
1. Check the domain name
Look at the three letters at the end of the site’s domain name, such as “.edu” (educational), “.gov” (government), “.org” (nonprofit), and “.com” (commercial). Generally, .edu and .gov websites are credible, but beware of sites that use these suffixes in an attempt to mislead.
Nonprofit websites may also contain reliable information but consider the organization’s purpose and agenda to determine if it could be biased. Commercial websites can also be good sources, but you should do some investigation to look for signs of reliability.
Also, you can check online to see who owns a domain name and whether the owner’s IP address is in the U.S. or abroad.
2. Take a closer look at the source
Does the article or study have any authors listed? If so, do they cite or link to authoritative sources, or are they writing their own opinions without backing these up with facts? Are their credentials listed?
Additionally, check the date of publication. In some cases, it may not matter if the source is older or hasn’t been recently updated, but in fields of study where information can rapidly change, the data may be obsolete.
3. Search for additional information to back up what you’ve found
As you find information, try to verify its authenticity and legitimacy using other reliable sites. If you find another credible site that contradicts your original source, further research may be required.
Wikipedia offers a large volume of information, but because its entries are created in a collaborative effort involving many different users, its reliability can vary widely. You can use Wikipedia as a jumping-off point to spark more research, but not as a source on its own.
Evaluating Internet Resources
Anyone who can type words on a keyboard can publish anything they wish on the Web. It is often difficult to determine the origin of Web sources, and even if the author is listed, this may represent opinions as fact.
Unlike similar information found in newspapers, information available on the Internet is not regulated for quality or accuracy. That is why it is the responsibility is on the user to evaluate resources effectively. Otherwise, you are completely vulnerable to misinformation — which is in fact, widespread on the internet.
Ask yourself these questions before using resources from the Internet:
Author
1. Is the author qualified to write on the given topic? Is the name of the author/creator on the page?
2. Are his/her credentials listed (occupation, years of experience, position or education)?
3. What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything?
Objectivity
1. Is the information covered fact, opinion, or propaganda?
2. Is the author’s point-of-view objective and impartial?
3. Is the language free of emotion-rousing words and bias?
4. Is the author affiliated with an organization? Does the author’s affiliation with an institution or organization appear to bias the information?
5. Does the content of the page have the official approval of the institution, organization, or company?
Accuracy
1. Are the sources for factual information clearly listed so that the information can be verified?
2. Can you verify any of the information in independent sources or from your own knowledge?
3. Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
Reliability and Credibility
1. Why should anyone believe information from this site?
2. Does the information appear to be valid and well-researched, or is it unsupported by evidence?
3. Are quotes and other strong assertions backed by sources that you could check through other means?
4. What institution (company, government, university, etc.) supports this information? If it is an institution, have you heard of it before? Can you find more information about it?
Links
1. Are links related to the topic and useful to the purpose of the site?
2. Are links still current, or have they become dead ends?
3. What kinds of sources are linked?
Stay Vigilant or You WILL Get Misinformation
Be very critical of any information you find on the Web and carefully examine each site. Web pages are susceptible to both accidental and deliberate alteration and may move or disappear with no notice. Print out or download all pages you plan to use in your research so that your bibliography will be complete and accurate.
Of course, there may be some reliable websites that do not include all the discussed qualities. If you are unsure whether the site you’re using is credible, verify the information with another source you know to be reliable, such as an encyclopedia or a book on the subject.
If you are doing academic writing and your sources need to be unbiased and backed up by evidence, check out this site to help you navigate citing your sources.
Good luck and enjoy future reading endeavors.
Remember, read responsibly.
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