When searching the internet to find reliable sources for schoolwork, make sure to follow some basic guidelines so you don't include bogus information.
1. Is the source authentic?
Can you verify that the person who is mentioned as the author of the website and wrote the information is indeed that person? Are they who they say they are? This can be very difficult to decifer, unless you are getting your information from a trusted source.
2. Is the source reliable?
For the most part, you can trust the information if it is published by a well-known and well-respected source. A national newspaper or magazine would not want to risk their reputation by publishing untrue information. There are always exceptions to this generalization, of course.
3. Look for bias.
Always make sure that you know whether or not the author has a vested interest in the topic. Is there a reason that he/she might want you to think a certain way? Is the topic controversial and he/she has already chosen his/her side? Is the information given portraying an inaccurate view of the subject at hand?