Evaluating the Objectivity of Web Pages
- What goals/objectives does this page meet?
- How detailed is the information?
- What opinions (if any) are expressed by the author?
- Determine if page is a mask for advertising; if so information might be biased.
- View any Web page as you would an infomercial on television. Ask yourself: why was this written, and for whom?
Bias
Examination of the subject, author, and purpose will lead to uncovering the particular biases of the web site. In spite of claims of academic objectivity, it is, in fact, impossible for authors, reseachers, or sponsoring organizations to avoid some kind of bias. At best, the author will attempt to be fair, either by admitting to his or her biases or by acknowledging other possible positions, interpretations, or conclusions. Your use of your web sources (and your print sources) will be strengthened by your analysis of the possible biases you observe.
Source: library.cornell.edu
Source: wiu.edu
