The internet provides an easy way of finding information on various topics but the problem is in the determination of the credibility of the information or the website which provides the information. However, there are a number of steps that can be used to determine the credibility of the website and the information. The steps are based on the following criteria: accuracy, objectivity, authority, coverage, and currency.
Checking the accuracy website
This step involves authenticating the website by focusing on who is the author and whether he/she can be contacted (email, phone number or contact address), the document purpose and the reasons behind its production, and how qualified the writer is. This helps in distinguishing between the webmaster and the writer. The website is considered credible when the author/institution and how to contact them.
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Objectivity
The step takes into consideration the objectives/goals the website meets, whether the information is adequately detailed, and the writers’ opinions. The website is credible if it provides objective information with limited advertisements.
Authority
The step involves establishing the information publisher and whether the publisher is different from the webmaster. Here the author’s credentials are checked. The website is credible if it includes the authors’ credentials and the websites domains.
Currency
This step checks the number of dead links on the website, how regular they are updated, whether they are current or outdated. Credibility is determined if the page is regularly updated and current.
Coverage
The step focuses on whether the links are evaluated and whether they support the website theme, whether the information in the website is correctly cited. A credible website allows easy access to information without fee, software or browser limitations.
