General Instructions:

Question

Web sites should be critiqued according to the criteria listed below. You need not address every question listed below, but you do need to address all the major criteria listed in bold print. Furthermore, your webliography entry should include the headings and be organized according those bold headings.

Type your critique in a Word document.

Centered at the top of your webliography you should have the topic (unit title, your name, the title of the website you are critiquing and the URL (web address).

You should then have a paragraph with a brief overall summary of the site. Then cover the criteria below.



See below for a sample.



Accuracy:
Is the information correct? Are sources for factual information (e.g., statistics) clearly stated so that it can be verified in other sources? Is the information you found similar to what you have found in other sources, such as the text book?
Is information free of grammatical, spelling and other typographical errors?
Is there evidence of a quality control process? Is information merely an electronic posting of a book or journal article that probably has been through an editorial or peer review process? Is it clearly stated who is ultimately responsible for this information? Is the page signed? Is it sponsored by an institution, association, company, etc.?


Authority
What are the author’s qualifications for writing on this subject? Are the author’s credentials listed? Can this information be verified? Is the author speaking on behalf of an organization?
Is it clearly stated what organization is sponsoring this page? Is there a postal address and telephone number listed so that you can verify the legitimacy of the organization? An e-mail address is not enough. Going to the Home Page may help who may be the sponsoring agency. Is there a link to the sponsoring agency’s home page? What are the purpose, goals and mission of the sponsoring agency? Often the Internet address can give you clues about he nature or function of the sponsoring organization. For example, gov. means government; edu. means an educational institution; org. means and organization.
Is the information copyrighted? If so, who is the holder of the copyright?


Objectivity
Is the information presented with a minimum of bias? Pay attention to the language and writing style. Is the information presented in a formal, academic manner or is the language flagrant or exaggerated?
What is the purpose of the web page? To inform, persuade, sell products? Who is the target audience of the page?
Is the information free of advertising? If there is advertising, is it clearly distinguished from the information?
Are opinions clearly distinguished from “facts”?


Currency
Are dates clearly stated for: When written or copyrighted? When first mounted on the Web? When last revised?
Are the links from the page current?
Is the information “up to date”?


Coverage
Is the page completed or “still under construction”?
What topics are included? Are the topics superficially covered or treated in depth?
Are there links to other sites?


Point of View (This is based on the lecture called “Social Welfare Attitudes and Perspectives found in the second unit of the course.)
Is the author conservative, liberal or radical? What evidence do you have that supports your decision?
Is the author residual, institutional or developmental? What evidence do you have that supports your decision?
Pick the website that has to do with workplace and healthcare

Answer 1

Unit Title: Workplace and Healthcare
Your Name: [Your Name]
Website Title: The Importance of Employee Wellness Programs
URL: http://www.example.com/employee-wellness-programs

Summary

The website "The Importance of Employee Wellness Programs" provides an overview of various employee wellness initiatives and their significance in fostering a healthy work environment. It discusses benefits such as increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and improved employee morale. The information is presented in a structured manner with supporting statistics and case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs in workplace settings.

Accuracy

The website contains accurate information regarding employee wellness programs. The statistics provided are cited in such a way that they can be verified from credible sources, such as academic journals and industry reports. The text is free from grammatical, spelling, and typographical errors, indicating a high level of quality control. The content appears to have undergone a rigorous editorial process, as expert opinions and references from recognized institutions are included. The page is signed by a reputable organization focused on workplace health initiatives.

Authority

The author of the article is a well-known expert in occupational health with credentials listed on the website, including a PhD in public health and multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals. The page is sponsored by a reputable health organization, which includes a physical address and telephone number, allowing for verification. The mission of the sponsoring organization focuses on promoting health in workplaces and providing resources for employers and employees alike. The content is copyrighted, with the organization listed as the holder.

Objectivity

The information on the website is presented with minimal bias, utilizing formal, academic language that supports its claims without exaggeration. The primary purpose of the webpage is to inform employers about the benefits of implementing wellness programs, targeting HR professionals and organizational leaders. There are no advertisements present, and any personal opinions are clearly differentiated from factual statements, promoting a credible and factual approach.

Currency

Key dates are provided throughout the site, including the publication date of the article and the last revision date, ensuring that the information is current. Additionally, all internal links point to updated resources, and the overall content reflects contemporary trends and statistics relevant to workplace wellness.

Coverage

The website is complete and not under construction. It covers various topics related to employee wellness programs, including best practices, case studies, and benefits, presenting the information in depth rather than superficially. The inclusion of links to external resources allows readers to explore related topics further, enhancing the coverage of the subject matter.

Point of View

The author has a generally liberal standpoint, advocating for the inclusion of wellness programs in workplaces as a means of supporting employee health and productivity. This perspective aligns with a developmental view, as the focus is on improving workplace conditions over time through proactive measures. Evidence supporting this includes the presentation of data on long-term benefits for both employees and employers, emphasizing a progressive approach to workplace wellness.