Finding Reliable Internet Sources

1. What piece of information is MOST important to record about information you find on the internet?

Author

Title

Date Published and Date Accessed

URL

All of the Above

Always write down as much information as you can about a source you find online, particularly the four things above. Don't forget the date you found it!

Explanation

Always write down as much information as you can about a source you find online, particularly the four things above. Don't forget the date you found it!

2. Which of the following url ending would indicate the LOWEST level of research reliability?

.gov

.edu

.com

.org

A .gov url ending indicates a government website, which is likely to have the most accurate and updated statistics and information. A .edu ending means the page is from a recognized educational facility, and is therefore more likely to be monitored and accurate. A .org ending means the website was made by a well-recognized organization, lending them more credibility. Anyone can create a .com website, so it is always questionable whether the material there is accurate.

Explanation

A .gov url ending indicates a government website, which is likely to have the most accurate and updated statistics and information. A .edu ending means the page is from a recognized educational facility, and is therefore more likely to be monitored and accurate. A .org ending means the website was made by a well-recognized organization, lending them more credibility. Anyone can create a .com website, so it is always questionable whether the material there is accurate.

3. Which of the following would NOT be a good reliable source on homelessness in the state of Georgia?

An Atlanta-Journal Constitution article on homelessness in Atlanta.

Resources from the Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness website.

"Homelessness in 2008 in Georgia" by Boake Moore from ezine.com.

The Wikipedia entry for "homelessness."

Information from the State Interagency Homeless Council page on the ga.gov website.

Typicially, dictionary and encyclopedia entries, while very useful for expanding your own knowledge of a subject, are not considered useful for heavier research purposes such as papers and projects.

Wikipedia can be a very good tool for starting research on a topic. Unfortunately, its strength as an accurate source is highly arguable. Use it as a starting point for finding other sources.

Explanation

Typicially, dictionary and encyclopedia entries, while very useful for expanding your own knowledge of a subject, are not considered useful for heavier research purposes such as papers and projects.

Wikipedia can be a very good tool for starting research on a topic. Unfortunately, its strength as an accurate source is highly arguable. Use it as a starting point for finding other sources.

4. If you are searching for information on drug abuse statistics in your county, what would be the best phrase to type into Google?

"What are drug abuse statistics in my county?"

"Wayne County Drug Abuse"

Drugz statisticks

Drug Abuse

"Drug Abuse Statistics Wayne County Georgia"

When researching specific information, it is important to include the location and keywords in the search without typing an entire sentence or question.

Explanation

When researching specific information, it is important to include the location and keywords in the search without typing an entire sentence or question.

5. What is the best way to quickly check whether an author has used accurate facts in their article?

Make sure they have other internet sources listed.

Do a quick search to see if other articles say the same things.

Make sure they have many sources listed to support their work, and that their sources are reliable, non-internet sources.

Use common sense to decide if they sound professional enough to lie.

Do a Google search on the author to make sure that they graduated from college.

The best information on the internet is information that also exists somewhere on paper and can be verified outside the online world.

Explanation

The best information on the internet is information that also exists somewhere on paper and can be verified outside the online world.

6. Mrs. Garlow is the greatest teacher in the world.

True

False

The given statement declares that Mrs. Garlow is the greatest teacher in the world. Since there is no context or criteria provided to compare or evaluate her teaching abilities, it is subjective and based on personal opinion. Therefore, the answer to this statement can vary depending on individual perspectives.

Explanation

The given statement declares that Mrs. Garlow is the greatest teacher in the world. Since there is no context or criteria provided to compare or evaluate her teaching abilities, it is subjective and based on personal opinion. Therefore, the answer to this statement can vary depending on individual perspectives.