COB WEB

C-Credibility--Do the creators of the site/document have appropriate expertise and knowledge?

When you look at a site, always look for the credentials/expertise of the person or persons responsible for the information. In the US, we too often depend upon the words and opinions of notable persons.  Always have a healthy does of skepticism and understand which person or organization has created the content you're looking at.

O-Objective--What is the reason for creating the site?

People often say that someone created a website to “provide information.” Well, that’s sometimes true: government agencies are charged with disseminating information, and nonprofits may consider that to be part of their mission. However, most of the time websites are created in order to convince you of a particular point of view, entice you to the site so the creators can profit from ads, or sell you something (corporations often put up websites that masquerade as objective consumer information). When a drug company presents drug information on a website, they do it to sell their product, not because they’re just interested in providing information to you. Google makes engaging, friendly tools and technologies because they want you to like Google’s products. Always think about the reason the site was created.

B-Bias--What particular viewpoints of the creators may influence their presentation?

We all have biases.  I, as a librarian, believe in the social usefulness of libraries. If you hear me make a case for more funding for libraries, you should recognize my bias. If the American Petroleum Institute issues a report about the problems with electric cars, you can surmise that this is not objectively neutral information but is intended to help the API's members in the oil and natural gas industry.

W-Website--What information can you find on the website itself?

Look around the website. See what you can find out regarding the organization’s mission. Observe the use of advertisements. Notice people connected with the website (the board, contributors, etc.). Is there an online store, and what is it selling?

E-Evidence--What level of evidence is presented?

Think critically about the types of evidence (or not) a website or document presents to support its claims. Be aware of elements like opinions presented as facts and statements such as “Studies show…” What studies?  Whose studies?  Dependable websites indicate where their information came from, and the best sites will formally cite their sources.

B-Beyond--What can you find beyond the website?

Don’t take a website at face value, especially if the site and its creators are unknown to you. Fact check the information using external resources.  For instance, check on people’s credentials-- people may misrepresent their credentials or make them up altogether.  Facts can be checked, as can the previous activity and reputation of individuals and organizations. Go beyond the website. Don’t take it at face value.