Evaluating Web Sites > 3: Content

3A: Content Bias/Balance

There are a number of factors to consider about the content of any site you intend to use for a research project.

Ask: For controversial topics, is the presentation biased (one-sided) or balanced (both pro and con viewpoints provided)? Are claims and arguments supported (with documentation) or unsubstantiated?

It is also important to fight your own biases and keep an open mind.

"Most of us have biases, and we can easily fool ourselves if we don’t make a conscious effort to keep our minds open to new information. Psychologists have shown over and over again that humans naturally tend to accept any information that supports what they already believe, even if the information isn’t very reliable. And humans also naturally tend to reject information that conflicts with those beliefs, even if the information is solid. These predilections are powerful. Unless we make an active effort to listen to all sides we can become trapped into believing something that isn’t so, and won’t even know it."

A Process for Avoiding Deception, FactCheckED.org

Some Examples:

• Public Agenda Issue Guide: Immigration -- presents a wide range of opinion on this controversial topic.

• The Cigarette Papers -- sources of information are documented.
  

• White Poison: The Horrors of Milk -- claims are not supported by documentation.

3B: Coverage

Another factor to consider is how well the site covers the topic.

Ask: Do other sites cover aspects of the topic that are missing from the site you are evaluating?

How to Locate Similar Sites

related:[URL of known site]
Example: related:www.deathpenalty.org

3C: Currency

If the topic of your research is time-sensitive, consider the age and currency of any sources (Web or print) that you use.

Ask: When was the material written? Has information been added recently? Are links functional or broken?

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