The strength of the Internet - that anyone can put up anything - is both its strength and its downfall. To conduct successful research via the Internet, you have several steps you must take in order to ensure that you have the most current, credible information. This page will help you do just that.
When looking at a web site, ask yourself the following:
Is the author or organization identifiable?
Is there information on the author's or organization's background? (Check for an "About Us" tab on a site's homepage, or check the bottom of the page to see a site's host.)
Is there contact information (an email address, phone number, etc.) for the author?
Does the site cover a specific time period or aspect of a topic, or does it cover the topic in depth?
Based on your knowledge of the topic, what information is included or omitted?
Is it done or "under construction"?
To what domain (.edu, .gov, .org, .mil, .com) does it belong?
Is it linked to other reputable sites?
What is the site's purpose?
Based on your knowledge, is the information on the site factual, opinion, or propaganda?
Are there a lot of ads? Is the site trying to sell something?
Is the site well organized?
Is the site professional looking and well designed?
Are the images used to enhance, rather than impress?
While commercial search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo! can find plenty of results, those results may not be adequate for college-level research. Try these academic search engines instead: