Dimensions of Web Information Credibility: Viewpoints and Priorities of Students at Top Universities in Iran

Identifying viewpoints and priorities of students at top universities in the country regarding dimensions of web information credibility. The research is descriptive in survey method through which viewpoints of the students were gathered using a researcher-constructed questionnaire. Gathered data were then analyzed by software SPSS in terms of canonical correlation, one-sample T-test, and one-way variance analysis. The canonical correlation model indicated significance statistics in a 95% degree of confidence. Components of trustworthiness were significantly correlated to ones of expertise. Regarding dimension trustworthiness, the highest correlation was related to website identity while in dimension expertise, the highest correlation was related to accuracy. Women showed higher degrees of mean in comparison with men. Students showed different viewpoints regarding dimensions of web information credibility in such a way that expertise was prioritized than trustworthiness. Means and significance of variance analysis related to such variables as age, education, university, and familiarity were also analyzed. Viewpoints and priorities of students at top universities in Iran involve important implications for researchers, policy makers, website designers, and librarians. Consequently, they can be used in optimizing available websites, designing improved websites, and also in instructing and providing services.