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Narragansett High School Library: DBQ Research

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NHS Database/eBook Passwords

Determining Accurate Information on the Internet

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
  • Are the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper? 

Authority: The source of the information.

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net 

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors? 

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases? 

Databases to Explore

News Outlets

5 things Google News can do to make me hate it just a bit less, but  probably won't          CNN International - Wikipedia          CBS - Apps on Google Play          ABC News (@ABC) / Twitter         NBC News - YouTube          PBS NewsHour - YouTube          Associated Press - Wikipedia          NPR News - Apps on Google Play          

Search the Library Collection for Books and Other Materials using the NHS Library Catalog (RICAT/Follett)!

Turnitin.com

In order to turn your papers in via this site, you must join the class with your class's ID number. 

See your teacher for this ID number and password.