The nursing student attempting to validate an Internet source wonders

QUESTION

The nursing student attempting to validate an Internet source wonders whether the source’s author is credible in the field. How can this student make this determination? (Select all that apply.)

1. Review the author’s credentials.
2. Assume the author is credible because he or she is published on the Internet.
3. Conduct a literature search using the author’s name.
4. Look for links to information about the author.
5. Identify sites sponsored by the author individually as valid.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 1, 3, 4

In order to assess an author’s credibility, the student should review the author’s credentials, conduct a literature search using the author’s name, or look for links to information about the author. Just because an author is published on the Internet does not mean the author is credible. Authors that self-sponsor their Internet sites may not be credible.