You can evaluate any source using the 5 Ws:
- Who: ...created it? What is their background with relation to this subject?
- What: ...is the purpose of this resource? What do others have to say about the people behind the resource?
- For example, is it sponsored by a company that has a financial interest in the topic?
- Where: ...was this information published? Where does the information come from?
- When: ...was this published or last updated?
- Why: ...is this resource useful? Why is this resource better than other ones?
Evaluation Methods
Mike Caulfield's SIFT method of evaluation encourages us to pause and think about what we've found. Use the four steps to move away from a source you're unsure about. Can you find other coverage of the material? What are other people saying about the source or the author?
The four moves of SIFT:
Scholarly vs. Popular
