Science and pseudo-science on the world wide web

This dissertation is concerned with information and misinformation in the field of physical science published on the World Wide Web. Chapter 1 proposes a working definition of pseudo-science, gives an overview of science and pseudo-science on the Internet and the World Wide Web and also looks at criteria for the evaluation of Web sites. Chapter 2 applies conventional criteria for the evaluation of information sources to sites offering information on scientific and pseudo-scientific topics. This is done by focusing on two journals published on the World Wide Web, The Astronomer Online and the Journal of the British Astrological Association. By analysis of the differences found, characteristics typifying Web sites offering pseudo-scientific information are established. [Continues.]