Evaluating Information - STAAR Method: STAAR Evaluation Method

Slant – What is the Slant (viewpoint) of the website?

Consider these questions as a guide. NOTE: Not all questions may be applicable:

1. Is the information unbiased and free from prejudice without promoting a specific personal, political, religious, and or ideological viewpoint?
2. Is the purpose of the page stated? Is the message clearly stated?
   • Is the purpose to: inform? teach? demonstrate?
   • Is the purpose to: entertain? sell? persuade?
3. Are there editorials and if so are the editorials clearly labeled?
4. Is advertising content vs. informational content easily distinguishable?
5. Are both sides of a controversial issue presented?

Topical & Timely – Is the Website up-to-date? Is the material relevant to the topic?

Consider these questions as a guide. NOTE: Not all questions may be applicable:

1. When was the information gathered/created? Is the material up-to-date?
   • Is the information provided the type of information that dates quickly (e.g. statistics, technological information, etc.)?
   • Is this a first edition or not? Further editions indicate a source has been revised and updated to reflect changes in knowledge, include new information.
2. When was the information posted?
3. When was the website revised last? (check for a date at the bottom of the page)
4. Is there evidence of newly added information or links?
5. Are the links functional and up-to-date, reflecting current information?

Accuracy – What is the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the information on the website?

Consider these questions as a guide. NOTE: Not all questions may be applicable:

1. Where does the information come from?
   • Are references / citations provided?
   • Are the original sources of information listed?
   • Can you verify any of the information in independent sources or from your own knowledge?
2. Has the information been reviewed or refereed by experts in the field?
3. Does the language or tone seem biased?
4. Is the webpage complete or is it missing information/pages?
5. Are there spelling, grammar, or other typos?

Authority – Who is the authority or expert associated with the website?

Consider these questions as a guide. NOTE: Not all questions may be applicable:

1. Can you tell who is the author / creator / sponsor?
2. Are the creator’s credentials listed?
   • Is the creator a teacher/expert in the field or a student of the topic?
   • Does the creator have a credible reputation?
   • Is the creator affiliated with an organization, corporation, government agency, university, etc.?
3. Is there contact information, such as a phone number, e-mail address, etc.?
4. Has the creator published works in traditional formats such as books or journal articles?
5. Is the website supported or sponsored by an organization?
   • Is the author affiliated with this organization?
   • Is there advertising for the organization on the web page?
   • What does the domain name/URL reveal about the source of the information, if anything? (e.g. .com .edu .gov .org .net)

Relevance – Does the content of the website have a direct bearing on the topic? Is it pertinent? How well does it answer the research question?

Consider these questions as a guide. NOTE: Not all questions may be applicable:

1. What is the scope of the information? Is the page extremely specific or very broad? Does the information contain the breadth and depth needed? Will this information be useful to the project?
2. Is the information written in a form that is useable?
   • Who is the intended audience? (i.e. reading level, technical level)
   • Is the information in a useful format such as words, pictures, charts, sounds, or video?
3. Is the information unique? Do the facts contribute something new or add to your knowledge of the subject?
4. Is the information available elsewhere, such as in print or electronic format? Journal article, book, etc.?
5. Could you find the same or better information in another source? Sometimes the first result is not the best?