LSU Libraries
Evaluation of Information Sources
Part II, Evaluation Criteria

Reliability, cont.:

How reliable is this information source? Can you trust and believe it?

Objectivity or Bias Bias is not necessarily a bad thing, we all have our own opinions and biases. But you should be aware of them, and take that into consideration when looking at an information source. The National Rifle Association of America and The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence will both give you accurate facts and statistics, but the way they are presented - the bias of the source - will present very different information.


Review Question:

While doing research on the Internet, you come across three different web sites on your topic of learning disabilities. Which source is best, based upon its reliability?

A. You find an .edu webpage from a university you've heard of. However, it's a rather long address, as it appears to be a student's homepage that is hosted by the university. The individual has written a long entry concerning his learning disability. There are many claims about his specific disorder, but there are no citations for any of the information. You notice several misspelled words.

B. You find a .com web site for a tutoring company that specializes in helping individuals with learning disabilities. The information appears to be correct. The majority of the information appears to be about how well trained and sensitive their tutors are, and how to schedule an appointment.

C. You find a .org web site for a group that specializes in informing the public on learning disabilities, and raising money for further research in the field. The information they provide has an extensive bibliography.


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