Last updated 03.03.20
Overview
Always evaluate websites for credibility and reliability because anyone with a bit of knowledge about computers and the Internet can put information on the Web. Sites should be unbiased UNLESS biased information is useful for a particular assignment. The Web is a place of business for some, and sites that want to sell products or services have a different purpose from sites that exist to educate. Spotlight on BIAS
The New Oxford American Dictionary describes bias as: "prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair." Sometimes it is easy to determine if a particular website is biased especially around a controversial issue, other times it can be extremely difficult to determine a site's bias. It is especially difficult to determine bias when an author does not state their credentials when posting an article on a website or a blog or when reviewing a site that uses a name that doesn't give away its purpose. Here are some tips for determining bias: 1. Go to the About Us or Contact Us section of the website to find out who publishes the site and other information such as where the organization is located and its purpose or mission. 2. Go to the Resources or Links pages to see what other sites the site recommends viewing or what organizations the site promotes. 3. Google the author or organization to find out if the organization has been in the news 4. Ask a librarian or teacher to see if they know about a particular site or organization. |
Media Bias ChartEvaluating Website Demo (YouTube)
Two Ohlone College students demonstrate how to evaluate websites after a simple Google search |
ToolsSIFT strategies Click on the image below for the entire document.
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