Why is this important?

• It's hard to judge accuracy when the topic is unfamiliar.
  
  
• Inaccurate information can harm your research.
  
  
• The web is full of unproven opinions.
  
  
• Mistakes and rumors are passed along and magnified on the web.

How to evaluate it

• The page should be well-designed, with correct spelling and grammar.
  
  
• Look for an explanation of scope and methodology.
  
  
• Information should be clearly and logically presented.
  
  
• All tables, illustrations and graphs should be labeled.
  
  
• Can the content can be verified?
  
  
• Are there supporting arguments and references?

Examples

1. Gender Differences

This article appears to be reasonable and scientific, but it is unreliable.

Can you spot these problems?

• Vagueness
• Bias
• Lack of citations
  
  
  

2. "Gone with the Wind"

• Does the reviewer summarize the movie plot accurately?
  
  
• Are valid reasons given for praising the movie?
  
  
• What do you think of the argument about political correctness?
  
  
  

3. Molecules

Notice these excellent qualities:

• Clear presentation of images and text
  
  
• Accurate labelling of images
  
  
• Explanation of methodology
  
  
• Good search features
  
  
  

4. Robots

This is an excellent introduction to types of robots, broken down into chunks for easy comprehension but not oversimplified.

Note the appropriate use of illustrations and references to sources.

5. Shotgun House

The author seems to know his stuff, but there’s a major problem with this site.

The images of houses and architectural details are not identified.

It would be difficult to verify the information on this site.

6. Tecumseh

This is an example of a very good short overview of a topic.

It is specific and detailed, covers all aspects of the topic, and presents balanced judgments.