Lesson 5 How To Evaluate the Reliability of Sources?
On the Internet, we can find all kinds of information, but we must assess whether this information is truthful and contrast it.
Tips to help you detect reliable health information on the Internet
AUTHORITY
Does the website use authority?
Websites that end in .GOV or .EDU guarantee a high level of authority.
BIAS
What is the author’s bias?
The best health information websites do not have any advertisements; those that do are clearly labelled.
CURRENT
Is the information current?
Reliable websites indicate publication dates, as health information is constantly changing.
Use this checklist to ask yourself some questions about the website and find reliable health information.
Website owner
Who is in charge of the website?
Why are they providing the site?
Can you contact them?
Funding
How is the website supported?
Are there any ads? Are they from the website company or external?
Is the company looking to sell a product or service?
Quality
Where does the information on the site come from?
Who is the content selected by?
Do medical professionals review the information on the site?
Is the site reliable and does it not have any far-fetched ideas?
Is it up-to-date?
Privacy
Does the site ask for your personal information?
Does it tell you how it will be used?
Are you comfortable with how it will be used?
When we look for information on the Internet, we must assess whether it is accurate, that is to say, whether it corresponds to the facts or circumstances that it informs about. We say that information is accurate when it has no error and does not produce doubts in those who use it. We also have to assess whether the information is reliable, that is to say, whether the content is credible and has been published under a process that ensures security with respect to its veracity, as well as whether its authors are generally considered trustworthy or authoritative in relation to the subject in question.
