Biology 231 - Research Methods

#1 There is no quality assurance when it comes to information found on the Internet: Anyone can post anything.

#2 In most cases, information found on the web has not been checked for accuracy.

#3 Not all web sites are created equal. They differ in quality, purpose, and bias.

#4 Some web sites have sponsors who pay for specific content to promote their products or ideas. The information is not impartial but biased.

#5 Some web sites voice opinions rather than make informed arguments.

#6 Some web sites are meant to be entertaining rather than informative.

#7 Some web sites seek to scandalize and breed controversy rather than provide reliable information.

#8 Some web sites are old and the information found there is out of date. 

#9 The quality and format of information you find on the Internet may not be appropriate for use in the academic context. 

#10 As a researcher, you  are responsible for evaluating all your sources, including the information found on the Internet.

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