KYVL: How to Do Research: Objectivity

What is the purpose of the information that you have found? Is it to inform or persuade? This is not always easy to determine.

If the purpose is not apparent, consider the following questions:

Is the language objective and impartial, or is it subjective and inflammatory?
Does the information source make unsubstantiated or unrealistic claims?
Is the information source affiliated with a particular group? If so, does the group have an obvious special interest?
Is the source published by a commercial organization? If so, is its purpose to sell or promote a product, idea, or position?

The purpose of a Web site may be determined by the domain name in its URL, which is an indicator of the sponsoring organization.

.com	commercial	The purpose of companies is to promote themselves and sell their products.
.edu	education	The purpose is typically to teach, inform, or present research.
.gov	government	The purpose is generally to inform, to post public documents, including statutory and regulatory code, and to present research findings or statistics.
.net	network	The purpose is normally to provide Internet service to organizations, both private and commercial, as well as to individuals
.org	organization	The purpose may be to inform or present research, but often it is to advocate for the organization.

Another important indicator is the intended audience. If the intended audience is distinguished by persons with a particular political view or in a certain profession, it is likely that the content will be slanted in the direction of that audience's interests.

Unit 5: Evaluating Information: 4 of 7

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Last updated: Thursday, 24-Jun-2004 16:50:48 EDT