The Five Ws
The "Five Ws" is a simple, easy-to-remember device to help you evaluate research sources. For any source you choose--including websites, news publications, books, magazines, journals, or other types of content--you can ask yourself: Who, What, Where, When, and Why?
The Five Ws
Questions to Consider...
- Who is the author?
- Does their education or experience qualify them as an authority on your topic?
- If the author is an institution or organization, what is its stated mission?
Questions to Consider...
- What information is provided by this source?
- Is it relevant and appropriate for your research need?
- How will you use the information for your assignment?
Questions to Consider...
- Where does the information appear?
- Is it from a book, a journal, the news media, or some other type of source?
- Does the scope, depth, and timeliness of the source suit your need?
- Does the source offer news and opinion, or research and scholarship?
Questions to Consider...
- When was the source published or updated?
- Is the information provided the most current available?
- If the source is not recent, does it still provide historical context?
Questions to Consider...
- Why has the source been produced?
- Is the purpose to sell, persuade, entertain, or inform?
- Is it written for professionals or the general public?
- Does it show any bias or omissions?
