Final answer:
The "Rule of 3" for evaluating website validity involves comparing information across three reliable sources, verifying authorship and domain credibility, and seeking corroboration or expert guidance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When evaluating the validity of a website, practicing the "Rule of 3" often refers to comparing three sources of information about the topic to confirm the reliability and accuracy of the data presented. It is not solely looking at three pages on the same site, finding three people who agree, or checking the URL extensions. Instead, it involves thorough checks such as verifying the authorship, assessing the domain, looking for citations, and cross-referencing information with other credible sources.
Reliable domains like .edu, .gov, and .org are often more trustworthy than .com extensions. Finding corroborating sources and checking the reputation of the website and its authors through "reading laterally" are also key steps. This means you should consult external reviews or critiques of the site by trusted entities. Trustworthy sites will usually provide citations and have their information corroborated by other reliable sources.
Finally, it is imperative to seek the expertise of reputed entities, such as librarians or educators, who can guide you towards trusted resources. It's important to check whether established academic or research institutions recommend the site you're evaluating.