1. What is a good source?
The best way to evaluate a source is to use time
tested reporter’s questions: WHO, WHAT,
WHERE, WHEN, WHY, and HOW?

2. Who?
1. Who is the author of the source? What are the author’s
credentials and profession?
2. Who is the intended audience of the source? Is the
source in an informal or a formal style?
3. Who is the publisher of the source or the sponsor of
the website? Does it seem reputable? Does it take an
academic or popular approach?

3. What?
1. What is the purpose of the publication or website? To
sell? To entertain?
2. What bias or point of view does the source imply? Is it
a primary source or a secondary source?
3. What are the reasons/evidence/assumptions of the
text?

4. Where?
1. Where did the source come from? An academic
database? A Google search?
2. Does the source link to other sources with a
bibliography or list of reference?

5. When?
1. When was the source published or created? Is its
information current?
2. When was the source revised or updated? Can you
tell?

6. Why?
1. Why should you use this source rather than others?
2. Why is the information in this source directly related to
the research question?

7. How?
1. How does the selection of evidence in the source
reflect the interests and expertise of the author,
publisher, or sponsor and its intended audience?
2. How would the source’s information add to your
paper? How would it support your thesis and provide
compelling evidence to persuade your readers?