1. The 5 W’s (and 1H) of Cyberspace
Evaluating Web Sites
The 5 W’s (and 1H) of Cyberspace
• Journalists use a set of five questions for getting the full
story
• These questions can be applied in cyberspace to identify
credible online information sources
- WHO?
- WHAT?
- WHEN?
WHERE?
WHY?
- HOW?

2. Authority- Who is the source of the info?
• Author or sponsor of the site.
• Qualifications and reputation of
source/author.
Questions to ask:
Is there an author? (look for header or footer
stating authorship or an , postal address)
Are the authors credentials listed?
What information can you find about the author?
Who is the sponsor? Is there an “ about “ link?

3. Accuracy-What?
• reliable and error free information
• conformity to fact
• precision, exactness
Questions to ask:
Are there typographical errors, spelling mistakes,
credentials of the info. provided?
Can you get to a home page, and find out who edits
the page?
Can you cross check this info with a reliable source?
Is the information well written and easy to understand?
Does the web site offer links to other resources?
What is the copyright status of material found on site?

4. Objectivity What are you getting?
• judgment based on observable phenomena and
uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices
Questions to ask:
Does the info show a minimum of bias?
Does the site rely on loaded or broad language?
Is the page designed to sway opinion?
Look at the “about” section of the site
Is there any advertising on this page?
Is emotion used as a means of persuasion?
Are there links to other or alternative viewpoints?

5. Currency- When was the site created?
• belonging to the present time, being in progress now,
current
Questions to ask:
Is the page dated? When was the last update?
How current are the links?

6. Where?
Study the URL = uniform resource locator
URLs help identify the source and/or sponsor
The organization behind the website will help determine
the site’s credibility
non gov’t and / or professional organizations =org
governmental web pages =gov
corporate, business, for profit web pages =com
educational institution web pages= edu
There are always exceptions check the page for
additional clues, at bottom or top of page or
through a link.

7. Coverage- Why are you at this site?
• the extent or degree to which something is observed ,
analyzed, and reported
Questions to ask yourself:
Are there construction signs?
What topics are covered?
How in depth is the material?
( use a site map)

8. Why are you at this site?
Is the online material useful for my purpose?
Am I able to verify this information?

9. How can you tell what’s what?
• Always be sceptical of information on the net
• Apply the 5 W’s to every website
• Double check your sources
• Use to see who
links to the site you want to use.
Type in link: and the url of the site.