Evaluating Resources

Evaluate Websites - Bias & Point of View

Look for point of view or bias in the websites you encounter. Often, "slanted" viewpoints are inappropriate for academic research.
In evaluating a site consider:

The creators and sponsors of the site.
Look for hints that author or sponsor point of view or bias may impact the reliability of the information.

If links pointing to other viewpoints are included in the site.
Including opposing opinions may indicate that the site creators intend to be fair.

If signs of bias exist within the site.
Check for the presence of opposing or one-sided viewpoints, emotional language, prejudice, stereotypes, deception, or manipulation. Are there possible biases stemming from when or the site was created? What cultural points of view might be present?

Whether you are biased toward the site.
Consider your own opinions. Are you being objective in your evaluation of the site?

Answer the following questions about the website you are evaluating.

Who created the site? What point of view do they represent? What biases might they have?

What organizations support or host the site? What point of view do they represent? What biases might they have?

Are links included that point to other points of view? What are some examples?

Are there signs of bias included in the site? What are some examples?

Are you biased toward or against the site? Why or why not? How might your point of view impact your interpretation of the site?

Based on what you know about the bias or point of view of this website, is it appropriate to use for your paper/project? Why or why not?

Of all the ways to evaluate a website, which do you think is most difficult? Explain.