| 1. The
ownership of the site should be clear. |
 |
Is the name of the organization or individual posting the
information in clear view? Look for highlighted text that tells you
more about the author of the site. In some programs, the ownership
can be found by clicking "View" and then "Document Source" or
"Document Information." |
| 2. The
information provided should be based on sound scientific study. |
|
Scientists discover truth by testing their findings repeatedly, to
be sure that their thinking and methods are not flawed, influenced
by their own assumptions, or marred by special circumstances.
Studies with hundreds of participants or cases bear more weight than
descriptions of a single case. The most useful studies compare the
findings in one group of people or cases with the findings in
another group (control groups). A mark of sound scientific
study is that the findings are endorsed by groups or institutions
dedicated to science, such as professional associations or
universities. |
| 3. The
site should carefully weigh the evidence and acknowledge the
limitations of the work. |
|
Think: What does the weight of the evidence
indicate? If conclusion #1 is found in three studies, but conclusion
#2 is found in 30 studies, which is more likely to point to truth?
Be wary of people who proclaim that they, and only they, have
discovered the "hidden truth." The scientific approach takes time,
and often, answers are slow in coming or don't come at all. This can
be very frustrating if the answers will have an impact on our--or
our children's--health and well-being. Solid researchers, however,
are not afraid to address the weaknesses as well as the strengths of
their findings, to say that the findings were inconclusive, or to
say that additional research is needed before any conclusions can be
drawn. A scientifically sound web site will reflect these
circumstances. |
| 4. Beware
of "junk science" and suggestions of "conspiracies." |
|
The hallmarks of junk science are hasty, and often sensational,
claims that other scientists have not seen, reviewed, or verified.
Media attention does not necessarily mean a claim is true.
"Conspiracy" theories often offer a quick and exciting answer to a
puzzle. Think: If I take apart the pieces of "evidence," do
they really fit together again? |
| 5. The
individuals or group providing the information should be qualified
to address the subject matter. |
|
Beware of information attributed to unnamed "noted researchers" or
"world-renowned scientists." A researcher who has done good, solid
work would insist that his or her name be attached to that work,
even if it's controversial. Who stands behind the information? What
educational background do they have that relates to the health topic
area? What other work have they published, and where? |
| 6.
Arguments should be based on facts, not conjecture. |
|
Beware of sites that mix fact with fantasy, without distinguishing
between the two. As with junk science, the resulting "theories" can
be sensational but are not scientifically sound. |
| 7. The
motives of the site should be clear. |
|
Is the site a sales and promotional device? There is nothing wrong
with selling books and tapes, or enlisting you in a cause, but
motives should be clear. |
| 8. The
information provided should make sense. |
|
Is it too good to be true? ("Rub peanut butter on your knees and
you'll never have cancer!") Or too awful to be true? ("Millions die
when injected with vaccines!") Then it probably isn't true. |
| 9. One
sign of a scientifically sound Internet site is that it contains
references from and to recognized peer-reviewed publications. |
| 10. You
should be able to obtain additional information if you need it. |
|
Is an e-mail or postal address, or a telephone number, provided for
further information? Is a reading list or source list provided? Is
the reading available through a public library, or is the list a
source of income for the site owner?
If government documents or publications are referenced, remember
that they are usually available free or at low cost
through the publishing agency or the Superintendent,
Government Printing
Office, in Washington, DC, toll-free telephone 1-888-293-6498;
fax (202) 512-1262. |
Footnotes