Be Objective
In evaluating what they've read and deciding what to include in the lit. review, researchers should, of course, be objective. They must
- avoid shunning information that contradicts their own views.
- keep open minds.
- look at the topic from different vantage points.
- in short, act in a scholarly manner.
Types of Questions to Ask When Assessing Information
In writing a literature review skilled researchers evaluate their sources and evidence very carefully. For example, they ask such questions as:
- Who funded the research studies? For example, what credence can be given to a study on African American IQs funded by the Ku Klux Klan?
- Who actually performed the research?
- When and where were the studies carried out?
- What were the political, socio-economic, religious, etc. conditions at the time of the research?
- Is there any reason to suspect that the methodology or the interpretation of the results were restrained by some authority? For example, what should a researcher conclude about medical experiments performed in Nazi Germany?
Evaluating Websites
Websites are a valuable resource in research for several reasons:
Accessibility
Websites provide easy and immediate access to a vast amount of information from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes them convenient for gathering data quickly, especially when other resources may not be available.
Up-to-Date Information
The web is a dynamic space where information is constantly being updated. Websites often provide the most current data, news, and developments on a wide range of topics, which is particularly useful in fast-evolving fields.
Diverse Perspectives
Websites offer a variety of viewpoints, from scholarly articles to opinions, blogs, and reports. This diversity can help researchers explore different angles on a topic, compare sources, and develop a well-rounded understanding.
Supplementary Material
Websites often host supplementary content that may not be available in traditional academic resources, such as videos, interactive tools, infographics, and multimedia presentations. These can enhance understanding and provide additional context.
Primary Sources
Many websites host primary sources such as government documents, speeches, official reports, and original research data. Access to these primary sources is crucial for researchers who need to analyze original material.
Efficient Searching
Search engines and online databases allow for efficient searching across millions of websites, enabling researchers to locate specific information quickly and effectively. This efficiency is especially valuable when conducting preliminary research or exploring new topics.
Global Reach
The internet provides access to resources from around the world, allowing researchers to obtain information from international perspectives and sources that might not be available in local libraries.
How To Evaluate Websites
Authority
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Author Credentials: Identify who is responsible for the content. Look for the author’s qualifications, expertise, and affiliations. Reputable sources often provide information about the author’s background.
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Website Domain: The domain can give clues about the reliability of a site. Domains like .edu (educational institutions), .gov (government), and .org (nonprofits) tend to be more trustworthy, though they should still be evaluated critically.
Accuracy
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Cross-Checking Information: Compare the content with other credible sources to ensure accuracy. Reliable websites should provide references or links to supporting data.
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Citations and References: Check if the website cites credible sources, including academic papers, books, or official reports. The absence of citations can be a red flag.
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Fact-Checking: Look for factual errors, logical inconsistencies, or misleading information. Fact-checking tools and cross-referencing with reliable sources can help verify claims.
Currency
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Publication Date: Check when the content was published or last updated. In many fields, especially in science and technology, outdated information can be misleading or incorrect.
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Relevance to Current Research: Ensure the information is still relevant and up-to-date, particularly in rapidly changing areas of study.
Objectivity
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Purpose of the Website: Determine whether the website’s primary goal is to inform, sell, entertain, or persuade. Academic research requires objective, unbiased information.
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Detecting Bias: Analyze the language and tone used. Websites with a strong agenda may present biased or one-sided views. Consider whether the website offers balanced coverage of the topic.
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Transparency: Reliable websites should be transparent about their intentions and affiliations, allowing you to assess potential biases.
Relevance
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Content Suitability: Ensure the information directly relates to your research topic. Not all information on a relevant website may be pertinent to your specific needs.
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Target Audience: Consider whether the website is aimed at the general public, professionals, or academics. The depth and complexity of information can vary accordingly.
Utilize Verification Tools
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Fact-Checking Websites: Use services like Snopes or FactCheck.org to verify claims made on the website.
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Reverse Image Search: Employ tools like Google Reverse Image Search to check the authenticity of images or charts.