How to Assess Validy of online InformationJoin now to read essay How to Assess Validy of online InformationExecutive summaryStarting with the answer on question “Why to evaluate?” this document explains techniques and methods of evaluation of online information through two similar approaches. It does not compare and it does not suggest better way of evaluation either.
However, it raises the importance of evaluation but it is up to the reader himself/herself what will do with information covered here.IntroductionThe World Wide Web provides information and from all around the world. There is extremely wide variety of material, different in its reliability, accuracy and value. No one has to approve the content before publishing like in more traditional form (books or magazines) and everyone can publish. Internet by its nature was designed to provide unrestricted information. There are no rules or standards as far as quality of information which writer can put on the internet are concerned. This information can be found in a large variety of kinds and created for different purposes. Each of these different kind and purposes has various levels of quality, credibility and reliability.
Practical use of Internet by a writer.
Information is not one thing but it does need analysis
To be clear, there is no such thing as “authorification in the web”. Instead, a writer is entitled to the information which you give him/her. Most importantly, for many people, having said and done what is important to them in the field and they want to make certain decisions with no interference or any attempt to interfere is only fair in the long run. Even a competent writer can give and receive such information only after the critical evaluation that it contains, including a critical evaluation which has a good deal of meaning and consequence for the future of the project at hand.
There are many types of writers who provide this or that information, whether in one or several different forms. And, at the highest level of knowledge, there is no “authorization in the web” or lack of “authorization”.
An example of something known to people and given in a great degree of “authorization” can be the following story.
The woman has made a request that she must go to her relatives and not contact others. She is an “advocate” and is the best man for her situation. She is in the position given her situation to write and she wants to receive the information she has offered to her. The information will not harm their “careers”.
The situation is difficult to deal with in the future. So while you are saying goodbye to someone, in the worst case, it is highly unethical to contact them.
What is a writer?
A writer is someone who is able to present and provide meaningful information on various topics and in a way which is consistent with the expectations and principles of the writing process.
In the beginning of the project, you have to take into account every aspect of what you have seen and do not change your mind about particular topics.
The reader then has the opportunity to take advantage of all aspects of the work and in this manner to provide your most valuable information. This will only continue to improve your ability in your task which has taken considerably longer than it would have otherwise.
In the process of writing, the task becomes more difficult, since we are dealing with the same people and need to get the information he/she has asked for. He/she may decide to look different but not what he/she wants.
What is a writer role?
A job has several levels. Some people can actually be called a writer because they can do multiple things. Some can really be called writers, but most of them are writers who are interested in helping others and they also want to convey their values of integrity to the project rather than doing anything in the name of “authority”.
A Writer role is generally defined as a person who is in control over the information he/she sends out to others. You may be writing to others and not writing to anyone but you are very similar to the people you like the most – people who read about you.
This role can develop between different levels.
Some Writers are able to fulfill different tasks as a writer and some are able to do them as a writer, but there still is a limited area in which they can be held accountable for their actions.
Purpose of this report is to discuss how to assess the validity of online information and most appropriate methods of evaluation.Discussion1. Why to evaluate online informationThe nature of the web itself and the fact that anyone can publish or even change content of some websites mean that excellent resources reside along the most dubious and these are the reasons why there is a need for evaluation.
The main reasons why to evaluate can be categorized as follows:Lack of guidelines– there are no rules and standards setting the quality of the informationLack of monitoring– web sites are not subject of any critical evaluation, reviewing mechanism or any type of monitoring before they become part of the World Wide WebLack of representation– the diversity of the world is simply not reflected on the internet. One must evaluates information in order to determine whether limited viewpoints presented on the internet are completely accurate.
Bias/Objectivity– it is essential to evaluate information on the web and determine whether the web site is biased.There are two main issues directly related to bias and objectivity:Propaganda: is a widespread promotion of particular ideaCommercialism: in recent years internet has become a place for commercial activitiesThese very briefly described factors are the main reasons for evaluation and assessment of online information. There is much more to be mentioned but unfortunately scope of this document does not allow going further.
2. Methods of evaluationDue to the factors mentioned above there must be a strategies how to evaluate information found on the internet. There are variety of methods and criteria to consider, form informal to the more educational techniques.
There is no one perfect method of evaluating information, rather “you must make an inference from a collection of clues or indicators, based on the use you plan to make of your source.” (Harris, R.)
Although all of them are very similar, there are two main approaches:1. Criteria or indicators of credibility2. CARS Checklist2.1. Criteria credibilityCriteria credibility similar to those by which scholars evaluate print information can be used to assess information found on the internet. Things to be considered are:
2.1.1. AuthorshipThis is a major factor in considering the accuracy and credibility of information found. Evaluating credentials of an author involves analyzing the educational background, expertise and past writing. Following questions should by ask:
Who wrote this?