SMER: Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences: Websites

Remember, not everything found on the Internet is reliable. Anyone can put anything up on the Web. When you find information that you might consider using on a college paper or project, be sure to answer these questions to determine if the information is trustworthy:

1) AUTHORITY

• Who published this website?
• What are the author's credentials?
• Does the author indicate his/her position or educational background?
• Is the author a researcher in the field, a popular writer who has interest in the subject, or a total unkown who is stating his/her opinion on an issue about which he/she may not be knowledgeable?
• Is there information about contacting the author? (E-mail address, phone number, etc.)
• Is the author a respected corporation or government agency?
• Does the author indicate the method of research used or provide any supportive evidence?
• Check the "top level domain" in the URL (website address). Examples:
  • .com=commercial
  • .mil=military
  • .edu=educational
  • .net=network
  • .gov=government
  • .org=organization (non-profit)

2) ACCURACY

• Has the site been edited, verified or peer-reviewed by others?
• Is it well-written and free of errors?
• Are correct grammar and spelling used?
• Are the author's sources cited?
• Are statistics or data current?

3) OBJECTIVITY

• Does the author's affiliation or the sponsors of the website influence the opinions or views presented?
• Is the information fact or opinion?
• Is there a cultural or religious bias?
• Are there advertisements?
• Is the author trying to manipulate your thinking with this information?

4) CURRENCY

• Is the information up-to-date?
• When was the site produced?
• How often is the site updated? Are the updates stated?
• Do the links work?

5) COVERAGE

• Are all aspects of the subject covered?
• What level of detail is provided?
• Is the information limited to certain time periods?
• What types of materials are covered?
• To what audience is the material aimed? (Scholars, general readers, children, etc.)