Evaluating Internet Resources Pretest

1.

Which domains are the most reliable?

A.

.gov and .edu
B.

.net and .gov
C.

.com and .net
D.

.org and .com

Correct Answer
A. .gov and .edu

Explanation
.gov and .edu domains are considered the most reliable because they are restricted and require verification to obtain. The .gov domain is exclusively used by government entities, ensuring credibility and trustworthiness. Similarly, the .edu domain is reserved for educational institutions, indicating that the information provided on these websites is from reputable sources.

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2.

The .org domain web sites:

A.

Are always non-profit organizations that are reputable.
B.

Contain only advocacy group web sites with various agendas.
C.

Must be evaluated carefully, because this domain contains both very reputable non-profits and advocacy groups with agendas.
D.

Always contain reliable information.

Correct Answer
C. Must be evaluated carefully, because this domain contains both very reputable non-profits and advocacy groups with agendas.

Explanation
The correct answer is that .org domain websites must be evaluated carefully because this domain contains both very reputable non-profits and advocacy groups with agendas. This means that not all .org websites are reliable sources of information, as they can represent a wide range of organizations with different intentions and credibility. Therefore, it is important to assess the credibility and reputation of the specific .org website before considering the information it provides as reliable.

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3.

If the web site has an author and looks professional:

A.

You should expect good research.
B.

You should research the author, look at the domain, check for errors, and look for bias.
C.

You should look at the domain.
D.

You should research the author only.

Correct Answer
B. You should research the author, look at the domain, check for errors, and look for bias.

Explanation
When a website has an author and looks professional, it is important to conduct thorough research. This includes researching the author to determine their credibility and expertise on the subject matter. Additionally, it is essential to look at the domain of the website to assess its reliability and reputation. Checking for errors on the website is crucial to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Lastly, looking for bias helps to determine if the website has a particular agenda or perspective that may influence the information presented. Overall, conducting these steps ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the website's credibility and the quality of the research it provides.

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4.

Subscription databases:

A.

Are generally more reliable for research than web sites found through Google
B.

Do not need to be critically evaluated because the content is reviewed through an editing process
C.

Are available through the PA Library website
D.

All of the above

Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
The correct answer is "all of the above". Subscription databases are generally more reliable for research than web sites found through Google because they provide access to high-quality and peer-reviewed content. Additionally, subscription databases go through an editing process to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information. These databases are often available through the PA Library website, making them easily accessible for research purposes. Therefore, all the statements mentioned in the answer are true.

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5.

Web sites found through a search engine (Google):

A.

Are always a good source for research.
B.

Are never a good source for research.
C.

May be good for research, but must be critically evaluated because anybody can publish almost anything online.

Correct Answer
C. May be good for research, but must be critically evaluated because anybody can publish almost anything online.

Explanation
Web sites found through a search engine may be good for research, but they must be critically evaluated because anybody can publish almost anything online. This means that while search engines like Google can provide a wide range of information, the credibility and reliability of the sources found should be assessed. It is important to critically evaluate the information, consider the source, check for bias or misinformation, and verify the information from multiple reputable sources before considering it as reliable for research purposes.

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