Speech

In conducting research, you find information from numerous sources like:

• Books

• Databases

• Trade Journals

• The Internet

• And More!

You'll need to sort through this information to determine what best answers your research question. When examining a source, keep the 5 W's in mind: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

Who?

• Who created this information?
• What are their qualifications?
• \What is their educational or occupational background?
• What about their qualifications makes them a more credible author?

What?

• What is the source telling me about my topic?
• Does this information actually answer the question you're asking?
• Who is the intended audience of this information, and is it appropriate for your needs?

When?

• When was this information created?
• Has it been updated?
• Is it current enough for the topic you're researching?

Where?

• Where did the creator get their information?
• Did the author cite their sources?
• Can you verify the information given with another independent source?

Why?

• Why was this information made?
• Does it want to inform, entertain, or persuade?
• Is this information biased?
• Does it exist to convince you to think, act, or vote a certain way?
• Or purchase a particular product?