REA 112 - Northwest - Credible Sources: 2. Credible Articles

When evaluating scholarly articles, use the following "5Ws" test to help evaluate the information you find. Download an ABC worksheet.

Who: The author of the information

• Who is the author?
• What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
• What else can you find out about the author?

What: The nature of the information

• Does the information seem logical?
• Is it too good to be true?
• Is it well-written, or does it have grammar, spelling, and syntax problems?
• Is it presented in a scientific manner?

When: The timeliness of the information

• When was the information published or posted?
• When was the information last revised? Is there a copyright date or date the page was last updated?
• Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?

Where: The source of the information

• Has the information been peer- reviewed, refereed or edited by an editor?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
• What is the reputation of the publication? 
• Is it a legitimate journal? A predatory journal? A fake?

Why: The reason the information exists

• Why does the information exist? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

Compare these articles and list 3 factors for each one why you think it exhibits good or bad science.