Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books Saylor.org
distinguish information that is based on empirical research from information that is based on opinion, and between
valid and invalid data. The following material may be helpful to you in learning to make these distinctions.
The techniques for evaluating the validity of websites are similar to those that are applied to evaluating any other
source of information. Ask first about the source of the information. Is the domain a “.com” (business), “.gov”
(government), or “.org” (nonprofit) entity? This information can help you determine the author’s (or organization’s)
purpose in publishing the website. Try to determine where the information is coming from. Is the data being
summarized from objective sources, such as journal articles or academic or government agencies? Does it seem that
the author is interpreting the information as objectively as possible, or is the data being interpreted to support a
particular point of view? Consider what groups, individuals, and political or commercial interests stand to gain from
the site. Is the website potentially part of an advocacy group whose web pages reflect the particular positions of the
group? Material from any group’s site may be useful, but try to be aware of the group’s purposes and potential biases.
Also, ask whether or not the authors themselves appear to be a trustworthy source of information. Do they hold
positions in an academic institution? Do they have peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals? Many useful web
pages appear as part of organizational sites and reflect the work of that organization. You can be more certain of the
validity of the information if it is sponsored by a professional organization, such as the American Psychological
Association or the American Psychological Society.
Try to check on the accuracy of the material and discern whether the sources of information seem current. Is the
information cited such that you can read it in its original form? Reputable websites will probably link to other
reputable sources, such as journal articles and scholarly books. Try to check the accuracy of the information by
reading at least some of these sources yourself.
It is fair to say that all authors, researchers, and organizations have at least some bias and that the information from
any site can be invalid. But good material attempts to be fair by acknowledging other possible positions,
interpretations, or conclusions. A critical examination of the nature of the websites you browse for information will
help you determine if the information is valid and will give you more confidence in the information you take from it.