Use the Five W's to Evaluate Sources

Selecting an appropriate source for a research assignment that is also current, accurate, and high-quality is essential for several reasons. The sources cited in your assignments prove that your position is supported with evidence. It also lets the reader know who influenced your thinking on the topic. Because information can be gathered from various sources that may or may not be edited for accuracy, sources must be evaluated carefully before being used in an assignment.

Use the questions below to guide the evaluation of sources and your decision to use them in an assignment:

Who created the content?

• Who is the author? An author can be an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization.
• Does the author have the education, experience, and credentials to write on the topic?
• Do others in the field recognize the author as an expert? Are their publications cited?

What is it about?

• Is the source academic or scholarly, or for general information?
• Is the information unbiased and supported by evidence? Are there references? 
• Is the information accurate? Has it been cited frequently?

When was it published?

• Is a publication date provided?
• Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?
• Is it the most current edition or version?

Where is it published? 

• In what medium was it published (print, online)?
• Is the source edited and/or peer-reviewed?
• What is the publisher's reputation?

Why was this content created?

• Who did the author write this information for? A general, academic, or professional audience?
• Is the purpose to inform, educate, persuade, or sell a product or service?
• Did an organization or business sponsor or provide financial support for creating the content?

How will this information be helpful in your research?

• Is the information mostly about your topic or an aspect of your topic?
• Does the content provide the depth or detail needed?
• Is the information too basic or advanced for your needs?