CMST 220 - Public Speaking (Prewitt): Evaluating Information

W5 = Who, What, When, Where, Why

W3 = World Wide Web (www)

  Who is responsible for the site?

  What kind of site is it?

  When was the site created?

  Where can you find more information?

  Why is this site here?

A: Authority

• Is there an author’s name?
• Can you locate the author’s credentials?
• Can you find evidence of author expertise in the subject?
• Have you located similar works by this author?
• Do you have personal recommendations for this author?
• Do you know the publisher’s credentials and reputation?
• Are there similar works from this publisher?

S: Sources

• Is information presented as fact?  If yes…
  • Does the author provide documentation? (Bibliography, footnotes, links, etc.)
• If documentation/sources are included, are they from credible sources?

P: Purpose

• Was this source written to inform and educate?
• Does the source argue a perspective or specific opinion?
• Is the source intended to entertain or sell?
• Is the content aimed at a general audience, or is it written for readers with expertise in the subject?
• Is the source too basic, too technical, too advanced?
• Is the source just right for your research needs?                 

E: Evenness

• Does the author recognize other points of view?
• Is the information presented objective?
• If the source is biased, does the author acknowledge the bias?

C: Coverage

• Is the information new? Does it support what you have found in other sources?
• Is the source comprehensive or inclusive enough for your needs?
• Does this source provide information that is relevant to your needs?

T: Timeliness

• When was the source published?
• Is the date appropriate for your topic?