What are the most credible website sources?

Check the domain name Look at the three letters at the end of the site's domain name, such as “edu” (educational), “gov” (government), “org” (nonprofit), and “com” (commercial). Generally, . edu and . gov websites are credible, but beware of sites that use these suffixes in an attempt to mislead.

utep.edu - 4 ways to differentiate a good source from a bad source

How much does it cost to get verified on TikTok?

free Verification will be granted for free to users who have been selected by the TikTok team. There are many scammers out claiming to be able to...

Last updated Oct 29, 2018

How many views is viral on YouTube?

1 million views used to be considered viral back in 2015. Nowadays, we're looking more at the 5 to 8 million range, or even higher in some cases....

Last updated Dec 24, 2018

Promotion

by

Research papers are a large part of many college courses, and the quality of your paper will only be as good as your research. The internet makes research on almost any topic more convenient and accessible than in the past, but it also presents some challenges. With all the information that’s online, how do you know if you’re using a reliable source?

The following tips will help you tell a good source from one that’s biased, outdated, or inaccurate:

1. Check the domain name

Look at the three letters at the end of the site’s domain name, such as “edu” (educational), “gov” (government), “org” (nonprofit), and “com” (commercial). Generally, .edu and .gov websites are credible, but beware of sites that use these suffixes in an attempt to mislead. Nonprofit websites may also contain reliable information, but take some time to consider the organization’s purpose and agenda to determine if it could be biased. Commercial websites, such as those of reputable news organizations, can also be good sources, but do some investigation to look for signs of reliability. Also, you can check online to see who owns a domain name and whether the owner’s IP address is in the U.S. or abroad.

2. Take a closer look at the source

Does the article or study have any authors listed? If so, do they cite or link to authoritative sources, or are they writing their own opinions without backing these up with facts? Are their credentials listed?

Additionally, check the date of publication. In some cases, it may not matter if the source is older or hasn’t been recently updated, but in fields of study where information can rapidly change, the data may be obsolete.

3. Search for additional information to back up what you’ve found

As you find information, try to verify its authenticity and legitimacy using other reliable sites. If you find another credible site that contradicts your original source, further research may be required.

4. Use certain sources only to jump-start additional research

Wikipedia

Wikipedia offers a large volume of information, but because its entries are created in a collaborative effort involving many different users, its reliability can vary widely. In some cases, users deliberately place incorrect information on the site; in others, well-meaning users unintentionally introduce inaccuracies. For these reasons, you can use Wikipedia as a jumping-off point to spark more research, but not as a source on its own.

Individual blogs, online forums, chat rooms, etc.

Much like Wikipedia, sources such as individuals’ blogs, online forums and chat rooms can be used to fuel further research, but shouldn’t be relied upon as sources of dependable information. If you have a question about the authenticity of a source, you can always reach out to your professor; the University Writing Center at The University of Texas at El Paso; or the UTEP Library, which offers assistance via email (libraryref@utep.edu), SMS (915-249-3383) and phone (915-747-5643 or 915-747-5638). For more information about UTEP Connect, check out our online bachelor’s, master’s and certificate programs. Interested in learning more about UTEP Connect and our 100% online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs? Reach out, and an enrollment counselor will contact you directly.

GET STARTED

Do you need an ISBN to self publish?

Yes, your self-published book should have an ISBN if you plan to sell your printed book in bookstores and libraries. If you plan to sell your...

Last updated Mar 23, 2019

Who is the top earner on OnlyFans?

personality Blac Chyna In 2021, model and TV personality Blac Chyna was the top-earning creator on OnlyFans, pulling in an estimated $20 million...

Last updated Jan 23, 2022

Promotion

How much money do you make on YouTube with 1000 subscribers?

YouTube does not pay you based on the number of subscribers you have on your channel. Subscribers are people who choose to follow your account so...

Last updated Aug 10, 2019

Where do sharks sleep at night?

Different sharks breathe in different ways, and this influences how they rest. Some species are thought to 'sleep swim', others lie stationary on...

Last updated May 22, 2021

Promotion

What country owns TikTok?

TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, is used by over 1 billion people worldwide every month. Oct 21, 2022

Last updated May 31, 2019

Promotion

How much money does 3 billion views get?

Also YouTube pays channels that follow their guidelines, since advertisers pay more for family-friendly content. If we go back to our previous...

Last updated Mar 7, 2022