When evaluating a web site, check these basic points:
Author – if you cannot determine who is responsible for the content of a website (either an individual or organization), you won't be able to gauge their expertise or relationship to the subject.
Domain – the last segment of the "root" of the URL (for example, hnu.edu) will tell you if the source of information is educational (.edu), governmental (.gov), or commercial (.com).
Date of creation or revision – it is important to establish that any content containing data, facts or statistics is up-to-date and still relevant.
Intended audience – if the content is intended for an academic audience, the website should provide information that can be verified using citations or external links.
Purpose of the information – the ratio of content to advertisement will tell you whether the site is being used to inform readers, or to make money.
The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan American "fact tank" which is based in Washington, D.C. It provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends shaping the United States and the world.
A nonpartisan research and educational organization which conducts scientific studies of the news and entertainment media, to provide an empirical basis for ongoing debates over media fairness.
The oldest and largest national organization to promote communication scholarship and education and works to enhance the research, teaching, and service produced by its members on topics of both intellectual and social significance.
The mission of the AWC, an organization of more than 2,000 active members, is to champion the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence and promoting leadership.
