Be a detective and discover what motivation the author has for placing this information on the Web.
Everyone who creates a web site has a reason for doing so. If you can determine the author's motivation, it will help you determine if it is a good web site for you to use for research.

Is the purpose of the page clearly stated?

• Inform: NASA for Kids, The Jane Goodall Institute
• Entertain: New England Patriots, ChessKIDS
• Persuade: Some web sites attempt to influence public opinion. Most candidates in an election have a web page. You should always look at both sides!
• Sell: Amazon.com
• Parody or hoax: Should we ban dihydrogen monoxide? (DHMO)

Are all points of view of a controversial topic presented? Does the information seem objective and unbiased?
Some web sites do present differing points of view on controversial topics. Bias means prejudice, or presenting information only from one particular point of view. For instance, information about a cure for a disease presented by a pharmaceutical company is biased because the company hopes to make money from the cure. Information about the dangers of smoking presented by a tobacco company may be correct but incomplete. You may choose to use this information, but be sure to get complete information from all points of view.

Can you distinguish facts from the author's opinion?
This can be difficult to do. Some web site authors do not cite the sources for their information. Ask a teacher or librarian if you're not sure what is fact and what is opinion.

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updated 10/07/2010