Final answer:
To evaluate online information, it's essential to examine the author's credibility, the trustworthiness of the information (including bias and source citations), the producer of the website, and the ability to corroborate the information with other credible sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Questions for Evaluating Online Information
When determining the credibility of online information, it's important to ask the following key questions:
- Who is the author of the web page? Confirm if the author is affiliated with a credible organization and check their credentials and contact information.
- Is the information trustworthy? Look for citations and a bibliography, assess if there's any bias, and consider any advertising that might influence the content.
- Who is producing the website? Identify if the producer is a scholar or affiliated with a respected institution like a museum or research organization.
- Is the information cited? Verify that the provided sources are reliable and objective.
- Can you corroborate the information? Fact-check by comparing the information with other reputable sources and check if your school library endorses the site.
If you're ever uncertain, don't hesitate to reach out to online librarians or other experts for assistance.