Skip to Main Content

Morris: Websites

Search the Web

Google Web Search

Other Search Engines

Evaluating Websites

Use the CARS checklist in the box to the right to make sure the information you find is credible and reliable.

Summary of the CARS Checklist for Research Source Evaluation

Credibility trustworthy source, author's credentials, evidence of quality control, known or respected authority, organizational support.  Goal:  an authoritative source, a source that supplies some good evidence that allows you to trust it.
Accuracy up-to-date, factual, detailed, exact, comprehensive, audience and purpose reflect intentions of completeness and accuracy.  Goal:  a source that is correct today (not yesterday), a source that gives the whole truth.
Reasonableness fair, balanced, objective, reasoned, no conflict of interest, absence of fallacies or slanted tone.  Goal:  a source that engages the subject thoughtfully and reasonably, concerned with the truth.
Support listed sources, contact information, available corroboration, claims supported, documentation supplied.  Goal:  a source that provides convincing evidence for the claims made, a source you can triangulate (find at least two other sources that support it).

Media Bias and Fact Checking Sites