verifying accuracy
One of the most difficult criteria for critical appraisal of a resource relates to verifying accuracy, or correctness. Appraising for accuracy requires a thorough investigation of the content of a resource.
Since knowledge doesn't exist in a vacuum, if you can find other credible sources that back-up the information in some resource that you have found, you can be more confident that the information is accurate. Many resources, especially those in print, will include a bibliography; a dedicated section that provides detailed reference information for all original and secondary sources that have been cited in the work.
Bibliographies allow a reader to verify factual information by providing enough information for a reader to be able to track down, and personally investigate the original source documentation. They also provide a point of reference so that readers can verify the contextual appropriateness of facts cited from their original sources. If there is a bibliography available, check it out! Are the sources the author used experts in the field? Are any of the sources listed from peer reviewed publications? The inclusion of a bibliography is often a very good indicator that the material contained in the resource has been well researched, and is likely very accurate.
Cool fact! A study conducted by Nature (check it out here) comparing Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Britainica found that open editing of Wikipedia does not result in more errors in Wikipedia entries. This goes to show that even information edited by average Web users can be accurate. However, you should always critically appraise everything you find on the Web!
