Evaluating: Lesson > Tips for Critical Review

(Adapted from RDN Virtual Training Suite Health & Social Care 'Judge' tutorial)

Here are some tips to help you conduct your first review of an Internet resource:

1. Background information
Examine all the information about a resource that is available. Help files and lists of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) associated with the resource may provide useful background information.

Find out whether the resource is part of a wider collection or publication.
Follow links that go "up" or "home". Look at the Internet address, and get clues from the path and the domain name.

2. Use the WWW technique - Who, Where and When?
Ask the all-important who? and where? and when? questions.
Who is the author/creator? Where and by whom is it published? When was it originally produced?

Do the answers to these questions give you confidence in the resource?

3. Purpose
Consider the purpose of the resource, for example, is it advertising? Does it deal with the topic in an even-handed way?
Is the resource suitable for your particular purpose? For example, is the resource likely to deal with the topic at the appropriate level?

4. A Second Opinion
Look for reviews of the resource, or listings and descriptions in subject gateways as an indicator of quality.
Remember to ask colleagues about their experience of using the resource, and call on expertise in appropriate email lists and other fora.