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Evaluating information...

Objectivity

Evaluating Information from
the World Wide Web:

     Need to evaluate
     Criteria for evaluating
     Authority
     Accuracy
     Coverage
     Currency
     Objectivity
     Advertising
     Personal pages
     Satirical pages
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Last Updated:  8/1/00 [bsb]

It is also important to determine the objectivity and/or bias of the information.  Many individuals and groups use the web to express personal opinion or to advocate a particular point of view.  In addition, many companies and business ventures use the web to present information on their product(s) or business which may or may not be objective.

Ask yourself the following questions:  Does the web site clearly delineate any biases?  (Many advocacy groups---you will usually find .org in the URL address---have a presence on the web.)  Are both sides of an issue presented?  Is the information provided as a public service or is it marketing a product or service? 

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