SECTION 4: EVALUATING WEB SITES

QUIZ YOURSELF

Question #4: You find a nutrition site on the Web that is selling herbal remedies. The Web site claims that the herbs are beneficial for overall health and wellness. You are interested in buying the herbal medicines, but are unsure of whether the information on the site is factual and reliable. Under what circumstances would it be relatively safe to go ahead and purchase the herbal remedies?

Click on the question mark above the option that you would choose.

The site is sponsored by the .com that makes the herbal medicines.	The site includes powerful testimonials by people who have used the herbal remedies and have been satisfied with the results.	The site has a date on it, looks very professional, and has a medical doctor's name associated with it.	The herbal medications are FDA approved and have been shown to be effective in clinical trials.

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Question #5: You find a useful drug information site and want to register for e-mail alerts about recent clinical trials. You are afraid that the Web site will sell your e-mail address to telemarketers. What might help you decide whether your personal information will remain private?

Click on the question mark above the option that you would choose.

Knowing that the site has a clear purpose, mission, and intended audience.	Knowing that the site is well-organized and easy to use.	Knowing that the site has a confidentiality statement or Web ethics pledge.	Knowing that the site authors are experts.

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Question #6: Which of the options below would you be likely to find in a valid and reliable Web site?

Click on the question mark above the option that you would choose.

Broken or dead links.	A clear indication of audience, purpose, and mission.	Outdated information.	Navigational dead-ends.

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