Answer:
Using the internet as a research tool has become both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because internet has made it possible for people to access much more information, information that is updated with the latest research, and which can broaden a person´s knowledge base. However, it has also become a curse, because internet has no limitations as to who can publish, what can be published, and if the information published is real, or faked. This is why, using internet resources for research, without first making sure the sources are reliable, can become a real problem, as it can invalidate it.
Thankfully, there are several ways in which a person can make sure that the internet sources he/she is using for research, are accurate, up-to-date, trustworthy and reliable. These are just three of them:
1. Check at the domain of the site. Most trustworthy sources of information will have a doman that ends with a .gov, .edu, or, .org. However, also make sure to check to whom the site belongs. This is, if there is information on a site, make sure who produced that site, what organization or institution. If you are unsure, do not use that info.
2. If there are sites that you have already gone to, where you know for a fact the data is reliable, like for example, a site from a known university, or government institution, then it is always better to verify data there.
3. Check the dates of update. Usually, trustworthy sites will publish also their date of creation and the dates in which the data is being published. It will also show the dates in which the data has been updated, so you know it is current. This will ensure that your data is actually the latest.
Like these, there are many more ways in which you can ensure that using sources from the internet can be a boost for your research, and not a dead end.
