Identifying the Mechanism of an Aromatic Substitution Reaction

All three mechanisms accomplish aromatic substitution, but there are a few key differences that warrant our attention  

The intermediate Electrophilic aromatic substitution proceeds via a sigma complex, nucleophihc aromatic substitution proceeds via a Meisenheimer complex, and elimination-addition proceeds via a benzyne intermediate. 

Substituent effects In electrophilic aromatic substitution, electron-withdrawing groups deactivate the ring toward attack, while in nucleophilic aromatic substitution, an electron-withdrawing group is required in order for the reaction to proceed. 

If the reagent is nucleophilic, then determine if all three criteria are satisfied for a nucleophilic aromatic substitution. 

First look at the reagents. NaOH is a common source of hydroxide ions (Na is the counterion). Hydroxide is a nucleophile, not an electrophile, so we can rule out electrophilic aromatic substitution. 

---