Ch.3.4 Helpdesk: Evaluating websites

Search

Hand pushing a search button to find knowledge word on a touch screen interface To search just a specific website, you can use the search keyword, then site: followed by the website's URL. For example, searching with weight loss site: NIMH returns results about weight loss from the National Institute of Mental Health website.

Search

Keywords. Words cloud on deep blue background. Another way to refine a search is to use an exact phrase. To search for an exact phrase, place quotation marks around your keywords. The search engine will look for only those websites that contain the words in that exact order. For example, if Andy wants to search for articles only on weight loss and sodium retention, he could put those phrases in quotation marks.

How can I ensure the material is authentic and or timely?

Look for specific information as to dates that reflect when an article was written or when a website was updated. Also look for the author's name, or an "About us" section or biographical information. These features are good indicators of a website's authenticity and timeliness.

Search engines

Search engine Some search engines search the entire web. Metasearch engines search other search engines and generate results that are common to all or that have a high priority. Specialty search engines differ as to which sites they search. Specialty search engines exist for almost every industry or interest. For example, Andy could use the search engines provided by the Food and Nutrition Information Center of the National Agricultural Library for his research.

How do I get a sense of whether the information on a website is biased?

There isn't one specific way to identify bias. You need to review the material carefully to determine if the information is one-sided or based on opinion.

What strategies can I use with key words to help narrow down the search results?

To improve a search use quotation marks around a search phrase, use wild card characters, or search within a specific website.

How do metasearch engines work?

Metasearch engines search other search engines rather than websites.

Google Search Tools

One way to refine your searches is by using the specialized search tools Google offers. By clicking on Search tools in Google's menu at the top of a Google search, you can restrict search results by time, location, and even reading level.

What are specialty search engines?

Search only sites that are deemed relevant to a particular subject

Evaluating Websites

When you're using the Internet, you shouldn't assume that everything is accurate and appropriate to use. Before you use an Internet resource, consider the following: Authority: Who is the author or the sponsor? If the author is well known or the site is published by a reputable news source (such as the New York Times), then you can feel more confident using it as a source than if you are unable to locate information about the author or the site's sponsor. Bias: Is the site biased? The purpose of many websites is to sell products or services or to persuade rather than inform. Look for sites that offer several sets of facts, or consider opinions from several sources. Relevance: Is the information in the site current? Material can last a long time on the web. Some research projects (such as historical accounts) depend on older records. However, if you're writing about cutting-edge technologies, you need to look for the most recent sources. Therefore, look for a date on information to make sure it is current. Audience: For what audience is the site intended? Ensure that the content, tone, and style of the site match your needs. You probably wouldn't want to use information from a site geared toward teens if you're writing for adults, nor would you use a site that has a casual style and tone for serious research. Links: Are the links available and appropriate? Check out the links provided on the site to determine whether they are still working and appropriate for your needs. Don't assume that the links provided are the only additional sources of information. Investigate other sites on your topic as well. You should also be able to find the same information on at least three websites to help verify the information is accurate.

Google Search Tools

You can also click on the Apps button in Google's main page, then click the More and Even more from Google options for all the specialized search products Google offers. One such tool is Google Scholar, which searches scholarly literature such as peer-reviewed papers, theses, and publications from academic organizations. Meanwhile, Google's Custom Search lets you create a customized search engine to search only a selected set of sites tailored to your needs.

Is there a way to refine the list of results when using a search engine?

You should trying using specialty search tools or a specialty search engine to refine your searches.