Part of being a professional is having the ability to critically appraise information and utilize scholarly sources (books, peer-reviewed journals, .edu and .gov websites, and occasionally professional organizations). Because the Internet is a source of all types of information, it is important to understand that not all the information is credible. This assignment will review the necessary criteria for evaluating a website. This assignment is important because the student will use these criteria throughout the program. After reviewing the Library and Learning Commons (LLC) website here at FSCJ, review this link, download the worksheet and respond to the questions: https://guides.fscj.edu/sift/OtherMethods. For ease in getting this assignment, I have attached the worksheet in this assignment. Next, select a website to that contains information for the public about a health-related topic. Then evaluate the website using the criteria.
Use the following headings
Introduction (all headings bold)
An introduction typically begins with a few general statements (three to five) about the topic, followed by a purpose. Purpose statements go at the end of the introduction paragraph, feel free to use the one provided. The intent of the purpose statement is to let the reader know what will be discussed in the paper or discussion. Remember all paragraphs have at least three to five substantive statements. Please do not list any references in the introduction. A good introduction should stand on its own. In other words, the reader should be able to read the introduction and fully understand what is in the paper. An easy way to think about it is all those items in headings. Here is an example of a purpose statement for this assignment. “The purpose of this discussion is to evaluate a health-related website with the criteria of currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose”. Remember, the purpose statement always goes at the end of the introduction.
Currency & Relevance
Describe what the worksheet states about each of these items, including all elements of the evaluation. Make sure you list website you selected either in this section or in the introduction. Make sure you include all the elements of the evaluation. Remember, a paragraph has at least three to five substantive statements.
Authority, Accuracy & Purpose
Here, describe what the worksheet asks you to evaluate about each of these items. Make sure you include all elements of the evaluation. Remember, a paragraph has at least three to five substantive statements.
Conclusion
A good conclusion typically does not contain any references but is a summary of the major points in the paper. A good conclusion should stand on its own. In other words, the reader should be able to read the conclusion and have a good idea of what the paper was about. A good rule of thumb is to list general information about each heading in the conclusion. Remember to make you conclusion robust.
