How Do You Determine The Validity Of A Research Article?
When assessing a research article, one of the most important concerns is its validity. To properly evaluate the information provided, the reader must be able to determine if it is accurate and relevant to the topic at hand. Determining the validity of an article can help the reader better determine how to use the article and how much merit to give the information. Consider the source of the research article. If it is published in a book or magazine it is much more likely to be valid than if it is published online. When determining the validity of online articles, carefully consider the page on which they are published. A government site with the web address ending in “.gov” is very reliable, while a “.com” is significantly less so. A URL ending with “.edu” is normally from an educational institution, but individuals who are affiliated with the college or university can use their “.edu” e-mail address, so beware of the source. Don’t let a “.org” web site fool you. Although this is often