The CARS Checklist:
Reasonableness

A Web site that exhibits Reasonableness will be fair, balanced and objective; have no obvious conflicts of interest; and have no obvious falsities or biases. It should also be consistent in the facts and opinions it is providing.

FAIRNESS:

• Does the site offer a balanced, reasoned argument, not one that is selective or slanted? 

• Are ideas from opponents also presented in an accurate manner?

• Does it use a calm tone?

Be suspicious of emotional writing. If the information is presented in an angry, hateful or spiteful way, it is probably also unfair and manipulative.

BALANCE:

• In your experience and to your knowledge, is the information on the Web site likely, probable or even possible?

• Is it believable? 

• Does it make sense? 

• Do the claims lack face validity (i.e., do they seem to conflict with what you know or seem too exaggerated to be true)?

If a Web site is surprising or hard to believe, don't automatically reject its information; just be more stringent in deciding whether to use it.

OBJECTIVITY: 

• Does the information source control its biases? It's impossible to be "purely objective," but a good source will try to be.

• Is the source by nature not neutral? i.e., does it cover a volatile topic? Be aware of politically distorted work.

• Is there a possible conflict of interest with the source presenting the information it does? i.e., will benefit in some way (financially, politically, emotionally or psychologically) if you accept its information?

CONSISTENCY: 

• Does the information contradict itself?

CLUES TO A LACK OF REASONABLENESS:

• Severe language, e.g., "Anyone who believes otherwise has no basic human decency."

• Exaggerations, e.g., "Everyone from that city is a thief."

• Sweeping statements of significance, e.g., "This is the most important idea ever conceived!"

• Conflicts of interest, e.g., if a site provides negative publicity about its opponents, rather than pointing viewers to an independent study.