Evaluating websites for academic use - Research Paper Example

Net Versus .Edu Domains For Academic Research Introduction From analysis of two websites http www.scu.edu and http www.slideshare.net) that both clarify the role of social media on human development, it is evident that websites with domain .edu are the most dependable for academic research. Results of a survey conducted on the two websites are as presented in the table below:RESEARCH QUESTIONhttp://www.scu.eduhttp://www.slideshare.netYESNOSOMEYESNOSOMEName of the owner of website10Santa Clara UniversityOwner not stated.

Contact information of the owner10(408) 554-5319No contact informationFunding source of the website00Names of the editor or editors10Name of authors 20.5Date of last submission or update20Statement of purpose, goals and missions of the website20Sources of information provided are given20.5The sources given are credible and from experts in associated field20Opinion is clearly identified as such20The site has an identifiable but not clearly stated, biased agenda2-2The site seems to be majoring on advertisements instead of elaborating on the site page agenda.

The site advertises products related to the agenda2-2Total score19-3Websites using domain names .edu display detailed information about a subject matter without divulging into uncalled for details. It is thus probable for a researcher to acquire the information he/she needs within the shortest time possible (McCarthy, 2008). Websites with .net domains contain jargon information, most of which is not related to the theme. An investigator spends a lot of time reading much literature but derives little helpful information.

Educational websites (.edu) cite authentic sources of information dispatched within the web page. Personal opinions are clearly differentiated from researched facts (Jakobsson, 2012). Researchers can therefore make a well-versed decision about what they need to verify further. Cited references are from scholars and professionals in relevant fields. This means information contained in these websites is often accurate. .net cite some sources whose genesis are people without knowledge in the covered topics.

Erroneous knowledge is thus frequently transferred to unsuspecting academicians..net websites advertise products and services that are not related to the theme of the web page. Popping of irrelevant messages and advertisements can be a nuisance to a researcher. An advertisement on linked products can be a relief to a website user when he/she is spared the trouble of having to spend extra time looking for a commodity. Therefore, .edu websites save time for browsers. Availability of contact information on educational websites enables one to do a follow-up on unclear concern (Jakobsson, 2012).

The argument this far supports the idea that .edu/.gov websites are the best for academic research. Domain names .com and .net lack ownership and anyone to be held responsible for discrepancies (McCarthy, 2008). The websites display information that is usually biased and inaccurate. References cited are never trustworthy. The websites are entertaining but not educative. For academic research, edu and .gov domain-named websites are commendable. ReferencesJakobsson, M. (2012). The death of the internet.

Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.McCarthy, T. (2008). .NET Domain-Driven Design with C♯: Problem - Design - Solution. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.