Dalmer reported criteria that a reader might use when deciding if the information on a healthcare website is trustworthy.
Checklist for features perceived as indicating reliability:
(1) credentials of author
(2) hosting by a reputable or expert organization
(3) citation of scientific references
(4) professional layout and writing
(5) clear navigation
(6) completeness of information
(7) similarity of information
(8) understandability
Readers may vary in their level of education and knowledge about the topic. A person with a higher education is more likely to understand the terminology and concepts. A person with some knowledge of the topic can determine if the information is consistent with generally accepted views. A person with neither often relies only on appearances.
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