Evaluating the Content

Sometimes web pages contain information which contradicts common sense. Take a look at the web page in the frame below, which is taken from http://realaroma.com.

At first, this page looks like it's presenting a real product. There are some professional-looking graphics, including a product logo and a photograph of the product. The text is well-written, and describes the product well.

But the information presented doesn't make sense. Computers aren't capable of producing smells. There's no such thing as RATML. Sometimes web pages can contain unreliable information, even though they appear to be credible.

As a reader, you have to consider the content when trying to decide whether a page is a reliable source of information. Specifically, you should decide whether the page makes sense, whether it supports your prior knowledge on the subject, whether it contains evidence of author bias, and whether it's well written before making judgements about its reliability.

© 2001-2005 Albert L. Ingram, Ph.D.