Evaluating Internet Resources
INSTRUCTIONS:
Go to your favorite Internet search engine (Google, Dogpile, Bing, Yahoo, etc.) and type in search terms related to diet & weight loss (i.e., “lose weight fast,” “fat burn,” name of a weight loss consumer product, etc.). Choose a site that comes up in your search and complete the below evaluation to assess its reliability and accuracy. Please take several minutes to browse the site before completing the evaluation. Complete sections I, II and III below to receive full credit.
I. WEB SITE INFORMATION
Indicate basic information used to identify the website.
1. Health topic searched:
2. Exact search terms used:
3. Title of site:
4. Subject of site:
5. Web site address:
6. Whom do you think is the intended target audience?
7. What do you think the objective is for this site (i.e., to sell a product, to inform, to dispel a myth, etc.)?
II. WEBSITE EVALUATION
Highlight/shade/circle (or otherwise indicate) the number which you feel best represents the site: 1 = disagree, 2 = agree, 0 = not applicable (N/A). At the bottom of page 3, fill in the values corresponding to score totals, percentage points, and rating of the Web Site.
A. Content
Disagree
Agree
N/A
1
The purpose of the site is clearly stated or may be clearly inferred.
1
2
0
2
The information covered does not appear to be an “infomercial” (i.e., an advertisement disguised as health education).
1
2
0
3
There is no bias evident.
1
2
0
4
If the site is opinionated, the author discusses all sides of the issue, giving each due respect.
1
2
0
5
All aspects of the subject are covered adequately.
1
2
0
6
External Links are provided to fully cover the subject (if not needed, circle 0).
1
2
0
B. Accuracy
7
The information is accurate (if not sure, circle 0).
1
2
0
8
Sources are clearly documented.
1
2
0
9
The web site states that it subscribes to HON code
1
2
0
2
principles (click link).
C. Author
10
The site is sponsored by or is associated with an institution or organization.
1
2
0
11
For sites created by an individual, author’s/editor’s credentials (educational background, professional affiliations, certifications, past writings, experience) are clearly stated.
1
2
0
12
Contact information (email, address, and/or phone number) for the author/editor or webmaster is included.
1
2
0
D. Currency
13
The date of publication is clearly posted.
1
2
0
14
The revision date is recent enough to account for changes in the field.
1
2
0
E. Audience
15
The type of audience the author is addressing evident (academic, youth, minority, general, etc.).
1
2
0
16
The level of detail is appropriate for the audience.
1
2
0
17
The reading level is appropriate for the audience.
1
2
0
18
Technical terms are appropriate for the audience.
1
2
0
F. Navigation
19
Internal links add to the usefulness of the site.
1
2
0
20
Information can be retrieved in a timely manner.
1
2
0
21
21. A search mechanism is necessary to make this site useful.
1
2
0
22
A search mechanism is provided.
1
2
0
23
The site is organized in a logical manner, facilitating the location of information.
1
2
0
24
Any software necessary to use the page has links to download software from the Internet.
1
2
0
G. External Links
25
Links are relevant and appropriate for this site.
1
2
0
26
Links are operable.
1
2
0
27
Links are current enough to account for changes in the field.
1
2
0
28
Links are appropriate for the audience (e.g. sites for the general public do not include links to highly
technical sites).
1
2
0
29
Links connect to reliable information from reliable sources.
1
2
0
30
Links are provided to organizations that should be represented.
1
2
0
H. Structure
31
Educational graphics and art add to the usefulness of the site.
1
2
0
32
Decorative graphics do not significantly slow downloading.
1
2
0
3
33
Text-only option is available for text-only Web browsers.
1
2
0
34
Usefulness of site does not suffer when using text-only option.
1
2
0
35
Options are available for disabled persons (large print, audio).
1
2
0
36
If audio and video are components of the site, and can not be accessed, the information on the site is still complete.
1
2
0
PAGE TOTALS (totals from disagree and agree columns):
((a)____ (b)____
TOTAL SCORE (a)+(b):
(c)
TOTAL NUMBER OF POSSIBLE POINTS (the number of questions answered as either agree or disagree multiplied by 2):
(d)
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POINTS (c)÷(d):
WEBSITE RATING (see below for sample**):
To calculate the web site’s score, the total points scored must be added up as well as total points possible. Total points possible is defined as the number of questions answered as either agree or disagree multiplied by two. The total score must then be divided by the total number of points possible to determine the overall rating of the web site.
Website Rating System
At least 90% of total possible points.
Excellent: This web site is an excellent source of health information. Consumers will be able to easily access and understand the information contained in this site.
At least 75% of total possible points.
Adequate: While this web site provides relevant information and can be navigated without much trouble, it might not be the best site available. If another source cannot be located, this site will provide good information.
Less than 75% of total possible points.
Poor: Validity and reliability of the information can not be confirmed. All information on the site might not be accessible. Look for another web site to prevent false or partial information from being read.
**Sample Rating Calculation:
If 30 out of 36 questions were answered with either disagree or agree, then the total number of points possible is 60 (30 multiplied by 2). If the total points scored was 54, then divide 54 by 60 (the total points possible). The overall rating of the web site is 90%, which falls into the excellent range.
Total score: 54
Total number of possible points: 30 x 2 = 60
Percentage of total points: 54/60 = 90%
Rating of web site: Excellent
Adapted from:
Teach, L. (1998). Health-Related Website Evaluation Form. Found at: http://www.sph.emory.edu/WELLNESS/instrument.html
4
III. OVERALL APPRAISAL
8. With your knowledge of reliable websites, is it your impression that this site pertaining to diets and/or weight loss provides objective, dependable information? Why/why not? (Please answer in one to two well composed paragraphs)