Class Handout

The 5Ws Method of Evaluating Sources

Who? Authority

  • Who is the author (individual, organization)?
  • What are the author’s qualifications (occupation, years of experience, position, education, other)?
  • What is the author’s institutional affiliation, if any? (educational institution, nonprofit organization, company, other)?
  • Is contact information given so that you can contact the author for clarification or more information?
  • Is there an About Us section?

What? Accuracy

  • What is the purpose of the content?
  • Does the content appear to be well-researched?
  • Are there editors and fact checkers?
  • Are there references to sources of information supporting any statements made or viewpoints held?
  • Are the facts documented so that you can verify the content in another source?
  • Does the item include grammatical, spelling, or typographical errors?
  • If Websites are suggested or linked to, are they quality sites?

When? Currency

  • When was the item written or published?
  • Is it important that the info you need be right up to date?
  • If a Website,
    • When was the site created?
    • When was the content last updated?
    • Is it current enough for your needs?
    • Are there any “dead” links?

Where? Publisher

  • Where is the content from?
  • How reputable is the publisher?
  • Does the publisher take responsibility for the content?
  • Is the item published as a peer-reviewed/refereed journal, scholarly journal, magazine, or news source?
  • If a Website,
    • Where is it published? What is the domain? Learn more about Internet Domains.
      • .com = a commercial site
      • .gov = a U.S. government site
      • .org = nonprofit organization site
      • .edu = an educational site
    • Will it be there tomorrow? Is it a stable site that will continue to exist?

Why? Purpose & Objectivity

  • Why does the source exist?
  • Is there a statement of mission, purpose, target audience?
  • Does it provide many opinions? Is it balanced?
  • Does it contain mostly opinions or facts?
  • Is there bias in the information and opinions presented?
  • Is it selling? Promoting? Ranting? Sponsoring?
  • Does the source represent the agenda of a political, religious, or social group or institution?
  • If there is advertising, is it clearly differentiated from the informational content?