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Music

Use this site for resources to aid with research in music

Websites

Evaluating Web Resources

Currency refers to the timeliness of the information. Ask:

  • When was the information posted or published?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current, up-to-date information? 
  • Are the links functional?

Relevance refers to the importance of the information to your topic. Ask:

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information, language, and terminology at an appropriate level (not elementary, not too technical)?
  • Does this source add to your body of knowledge on the topic?

Authority refers to the source of the information. Ask:

  • Who is the author/publisher/source?
  • What makes this author/publisher/source an authority on this topic?
  • What are the author's credentials?
  • What is the URL domain (.com, .gov, .edu, .org)?

Accuracy refers to the reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content. Ask:

  • Is the content making extraordinary claims or claims that sound very different from other research you have found?
  • Is the information supported by evidence such as links to other credible sources or a reference list?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed? 
  • Is the language unbiased and objective?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Purpose refers to the reason the information exists. Ask:

  • Is the information posted to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
  • Does the author express personal opinions?
  • Is the content objective and impartial?
  • Is the content trying to sell a product, service or idea?
  • Is the website satire?