Internet Exercises

Critical Thinking about Internet Sources

This chapter has stressed the importance of critical thinking. When using the Internet for information, group members have an ethical responsilibity to ensure that evidence and information are accurate and effective. Bourhis, Adams, Titsworth, and Harter recommend using the following criteria to critically evaluate Web sources:

1. Is the supporting material clear? Sources should help you add clarity to your ideas rather than confusing the issue with jargon and overly technical explanations.

2. Is the supporting material verifiable? You should be able to independently verify facts and details contained on a Web page.

3. Is the source of supporting material competent? You should determine the source of the Web material and determine whether or not the source is qualified.

4. Is the source objectice? All sources--even news reports--have some bias. Your responsiblity is to ensure that your sources minimize bias.

5. Is the supporting material relevant? Using irrelevant research may make your ideas appear well supported; however, critical listeners will see through this tactic. Only utilize sources that directly address the key points you want to make.

You should also consult the following sources to find more information on evaluating the quality of Web information:

http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm

http://www.ithaca.edu/library/Training/hott.html

SOURCE: J. Bourhis, C. Adams, S. Titsworth, and L. Harter, Style Manual for Communication Studies (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002).