An information contained in web pages is said to be credible when it meets key criteria including accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage. Credibility is determined by whether the information is verifiable and supported by evidence, authored by trustworthy and qualified individuals or organizations, presented without bias, is up-to-date, and provides comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
Criteria for Credibility
- Accuracy : Information should be verifiable through reliable sources, with no obvious errors in grammar or spelling, and fact-checked when possible. Reliable sources should be cited within the page.
- Authority : The author or organization responsible for the content should be identifiable and have relevant qualifications or expertise. The credibility of the domain (.edu, .gov, .org) also plays a role.
- Objectivity/Bias : The content should be presented fairly and objectively without a strong bias or hidden agenda. Advertisements or sponsorships should be clearly separated from the informational content.
- Currency : The information should be recent or updated regularly, especially for fields where data changes rapidly. The date of publication or last update should be visible.
- Coverage : The information should be comprehensive and thorough enough to provide a complete and well-rounded view of the topic.
Practical Steps to Assess Web Information
- Identify the author and check credentials or institutional affiliations.
- Verify information by checking multiple reputable sources.
- Note the publication or update date of the content.
- Assess if the site has an evident purpose and if the content is free from undue bias.
- Evaluate the domain type and trustworthiness of the website.
In summary, information on web pages is credible when it is factual, backed by reliable sources, authored by qualified individuals or institutions, free from bias, current, and comprehensive in coverage.
