Using the World Wide Web as a source for research:
BEWARE: Material on the WWW is
of varying reliability. On the one hand, Web sites can contain
information and multi-media material of great value which is not
available elsewhere. On the other hand, material on the internet
may represent the particular views of persons or groups rather
than a "scholarly consensus" arrived at through careful
research and study. If you are considering using material found
on a Web site, you should:
(a) Determine the source of the information.
(b) Determine whether the information fits with the "scholarly
consensus" found in the print materials used in the course.
(c) Make a carefully considered decision about whether the material
is appropriate for an academic essay.
(d) If you decide to incorporate WWW material in your paper that
is non-scholarly but still of interest, you must describe it
as you would other unrefereed sources--acknowledging that it is
the view of those responsible for the Web site rather than "neutral,"
"objective" information.
(e) Cite the material in your bibliography by its URL (WWW address).
Failure to follow these principles will be regarded as poor research methodology. If you need help in evaluating the contents of a Web site, by all means consult with me.