Strategies for Evaluating Information: The 5Ws

The 5Ws

The 5Ws evaluate sources through examining who (authority) what (accuracy), when (currency), where (publisher), and why (purpose). These are similar guidelines as in TRAAP, but the question format might be easier to remember. The 5Ws work especially well with online sources, but try them out any time you encounter a new source.

 

ASK YOURSELF: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY?

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?  Did the item go through a peer-review or refereed process?
  • 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? Check Ulrichsweb Links to an external site. if you're not sure.
  • 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 the source has advertisements, are they clearly differentiated from the informational content?

Adapted from Savvy Info Consumers: Web Sources