The CARS Checklist:
Accuracy

Accuracy is all about the information available. First and foremost, it should be up to date. If you can find a source that also provides detailed, comprehensive information, that's even better.

As the researcher, it's important that you remember not to take the information at face value. There is no standard for reviewing Web pages for content, which means it is up to YOU  to look for a point of view or evidence of bias.

A lot of people disseminating information on the Web have hidden agendas. If the source of the information is not clearly stated -- whether it is original or quoted from somewhere else -- think about whether you want to use that Web site as a source.

To evaluate accuracy, first think about what kind of site you're looking at. Is it commercial, personal or official?  What's the purpose of site? Then consider these other traits:

TIMELINESS: 

• When was the information created or last updated? 

• Is it still of value? 

• How much? 

• Is the information thorough? Complete? Misleading?

Old is not necessarily bad; 19th-century history or literature can be highly educational because they function as comparisons with what is being written today. 

But in other cases, you will probably want to find current, accurate information. Constant change means constant changes in timeliness.

COMPREHENSIVENESS:

• Who is the site's audience? Is it stated or implied?

• Is the information written in a format appropriate to the audience? Why or why not?

No single source of information will provide the complete story -- that's why you have to look for more than one source. But a source that deliberately leaves out relevant facts or qualifications may be misleading or, worse, intentionally deceptive.

CLUES TO A LACK OF ACCURACY:

• No date on the document, or an old date on information that changes rapidly

• Vague or sweeping generalizations

• A one-sided view that doesn't acknowledge the existence of opposing views or doesn't respond to them.