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BO3108: Introduction to Herbal Sciences

A guided tutorial of herbal sciences research resources.

Video: Evaluating Web Sources

It is important to be aware that many websites are often not evaluated for quality, unlike databases.

Watch this video to learn more about evaluating websites (Created by Hartness Library CCV/Vermont Tech, 2012):

Evaluating Websites

As we say in the library: "the good thing is anyone can create a website; the bad thing is anyone can create a website." The quality of resources on the Web varies greatly and it's up to you to assess the sources and information you find. Here are some criteria to consider:

  • Who runs the website?
  • Who funds the site?
  • What is the site's purpose?
  • How thorough is the info on the website?
  • Where does the information come from? What is the author's/publisher's background?
  • How is the information selected?
  • How current is the information? 

When researching any subject, you must think carefully about any potential bias that may skew the information.

  • Statements are supported by evidence and documentation.
  • There is no overt evidence that the author will benefit from whichever way the topic is decided.
  • Both pro and con viewpoints are represented.

Examples above are from: Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research by Teaching & Learning, Ohio State University Libraries is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

In the case of at-risk plants, things to consider and be aware of include:

  • Anti-development bias - is the plant really at risk? Or is it's status being exaggerated in order to stop development in an area?
  • Is there an anti-pesticides, anti-chemical industry, or anti-GM campaign involved?  How does that political motivation affect their interpretation of a plant's status?
  • Is there a commercial interest? i.e. Is the information coming from a business that makes profit from the sale and use of a plant? How does that affect the accuracy of the information they provide?

Google search tips

Google is a very powerful search engine, and it's getting better at allowing you to refine searches.

The limitation of Google, is that it searches everything - good and bad - and it's up to you to apply your critical thinking skills to the results.

Here are some ways to refine your search in order to find the most relevant, reliable sources, and filter out some of the less appropriate information.

  • Put phrases in " " 
  • use an asterisk * to replace an unknown word or letter
  • Search for sites run by the government or education institutions
    • Echinacea site:.gov      OR     Echinacea site:.edu
  • search a specific site by typing you search word and the site you want to search like this:
    • Echinacea site:unitedplantavers.org 
  • use a tilde in front of a word to include synonyms
    • ~echinacea

 

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