Before using any information you should critically evaluate source, especially if it is from a website.
Ask yourself:
- Who? Who wrote this information and how much authority does this person or organization have? Why should I trust him or her? Does the person have a bias?
- What? What is the content of this source about? Is it relevant to my research question?
- When? How current is this information? Does currency matter for my topic?
- Where? Where did the author get his or her information? Are sources cited? Is the site sponsored by an organization that might have a bias?
- Why? What is the purpose of the resource? Is it to entertain? Inform? Persuade? How does this purpose match your own?
Be sure to ask a librarian if you're still unsure if a website or article is appropriate for your research.