Ownership_Bias

=OWNERSHIP_BIAS=

In some cases, it is fairly simple to discover who is responsible for a website.

 * Look for logos, official seals, contact information, etc. *Keep in mind that much of this information could be copied by a web scammer.
 * Understanding the top-level domain will help you validate ownership.
 * WhiteHouse.com vs. WhiteHouse.gov
 * Use [|EasyWhois] [|Whois.net] [|Domainsearch.com]to learn who registered the domain.

Ascertain the Point of View
All points of view could be considered valid information, but students need to be made aware that OPINIONS were used in gathering data. A first-hand account may be more reliable in certain situations; however, consider the following:
 * A website discussing patriotic views in the 1950s, containing actual quotes by Senator Joseph McCarthy
 * A website discussing patriotic views in the 1950s, containing actual quotes by blacklisted citizens

How can you analyze conflicting data from websites that seem or have been proven valid? Some questions to ask:

 * Which website contains information that is most recent?
 * Which web author can “back up” information with research or new, previously unknown data?
 * Can you find the email address of the Webmaster for the site?

Some steps you can take:

 * Email the site Webmaster for verification.
 * Research the name of the organization that published the pages.
 * Cross-reference the information contained in the website with known sites (government sites, libraries, etc.).

How could we help students to check the validity of this website??
Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus []

Or this one?
Belgium Doesn't Exist! []