How to Perform Term Paper Research on the Internet - Part 2
* Term Paper Research - Evaluating the Authority of a Web Site
When you evaluate the authority of a Web page pay particular attention to the following:
1. The Author
* The name of the author and his e-mail address should be listed at the bottom of every page of the site or on the home page. If you discover a link to the author's personal home page or links to related sites ask yourself these questions:
* Is he or she an authority in the field you are researching or merely offering his comments or opinions? What qualifies him as an expert on this subject?
* Does the author write for any other publications and are they 'peer reviewed' print publications?
* Examine the list of links to related subjects. Do they suggest a bias in a specific direction? You can't perform term paper research on the Internet that is accurate if you only getting one side of the story.
2. The Site's Host or Sponsor
Most web sites contain a link to the page's sponsor in the footer. Follow this link and examine the organization's main page.
If the organization is a serial or periodical publication:-
* Check to see whether it has an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). If the web serial doesn't have one, it is more than likely a home-grown one and may be less reliable than some other sources of information on the same topic.
If the host is an independent service provider:-
* Examine its home page and make sure that it has all its contact details listed including its phone number. If it doesn't, it may not be a credible base of information on which to perform term paper research on the Internet.
Next examine the statement of purpose or stated objectives on the page to determine if there is any bias in terms of promoting special interests.
Now determine whether the author of the information is affiliated to a known institution or credible organization
3. Dates Created and Last Modified Data
All Web sites should list the creation dates and dates of the site's last update.
Peruse the information and make sure it is not outdated. When you perform term paper research on the Internet always start with the most recent data first.
* Evaluating the Relevance of a Web Site
The vast majority of Web sites aren't really tailored to the student researcher. Rather, they are designed to sell products, cater to select audiences, special interest groups or published by scholars for professional academic audiences.
