Using the Internet for research

We use the Internet to look up information all the time, but is the Internet useful for cited research?  The answer is, of course!  The caution is that we cannot be indiscriminate about using websites, though.  We need to ask a few very important questions to make sure we are finding the best, credible information.  

1. Who wrote the website?  
-Most credible websites will have an author or organization responsible for the information. 

2. When was the website last updated?  
-Always try to find the most recent and newest information.

3. Is the information on the website accurate?  
-Compare statistics and information with results from other sources, do they match up?

4. Why was the website written?  
-Are there any obvious biases?  

(Use these questions as guides to finding the best, credible information.  If something just doesn't seem to be correct or credible, don't use it.)

The Wikipedia Question

Can we use Wikipedia?  Sure, use Wikipedia to start your research.  Gather basic information and sources to use to direct your further research.  Wikipedia should not be used as a final source of information that will appear on a Works Cited Page.

When to be Suspicious

Don't accept anything as being accurate and true when using the Internet.  Follow the process of questioning as seen above for all websites you find on your topic.  But be especially suspicious of websites with: 
1. Misspellings
2. Grammar Errors
3. No Contact Information
4. No Privacy Policy or no Terms and Conditions

Searching Tips

1. Use a variety of searching terms that relate to your topic
2. Don't simply accept the first sites that you find, dig a little. 
3. Use domains like .org .edu .gov that are generally accepted as "more credible."  
4. Use advanced search tools that most search engines have to find more specific search results.