How to Find Quality Information
The Importance of Reliable Web Research - Using the Internet Wisely
Nov 12, 2008
Finding good quality and accurate information on the Internet is as important for students who are seeking information for a homework project as it is for a business person researching new business opportunities or someone trying to find out more about an illness or healthcare.
Finding Quality Information on the Internet – The Issues
One of the wonders of the Internet is that it has opened up access to and the sharing of information at a scale that only a few years ago would have been unthinkable. The Internet has given people from all over the world and from all walks of life the opportunity to utilize tools such as blogs, wikis, personal websites etc and to 'have a voice'. This means that there is a huge mix of information, some of which will be well researched and highly accurate, while others might be personal opinion or hearsay.
Inaccurate information can be at best annoying, at the worst it can be dangerous. From knitting patterns that haven't been tested, to health care advice giving out dated information, finding quality information is essential. Here are some tips for validating information on the Internet.
Sources
Look for sources to be cited in an article, particularly where facts and figures are referred to. Not only does this help to validate the information on the website, it also provides further detailed reading that is useful for research or finding out more information.
Reference to research and studies is important to support information about many subjects, but in particular health care. The most reliable sources will be official websites or publications. Where the source is another blog or other personal website, checking these sources may also be useful.
Credibility of the Writer
When seeking assurance about the quality of information published, taking a look at the writer's credentials can help. A writer with qualifications or solid experience, with a track record of writing on a subject, is likely to offer good, knowledgeable articles. This does not, of course, mean that other writers will provide bad information, looking at a writer's credentials is simply a quick way to help balance the information offered.
Website Background
There are many different types of website and the accuracy of information can vary immensely accordingly. Wikis for instance are written and edited by users, as such the information can come from highly professional and qualified writers through to enthusiastic amateurs. This type of website can also be subject to misinformation from pranksters and people with malicious intent.
Dated Information
Many articles are not dated and this means that if they have not been carefully worded, the information can be ambiguous. An article might state, for instance, that the sale of red widgets will double in the next two years. This can be highly confusing or misleading if it is read at a later date.
The Internet is a rich source of information – however finding good quality and reliable information can sometimes be a challenge.
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