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Information Has Value

Algorithms, generative AI, digital privacy, and evaluating information online

Critically Evaluating Online Sources

Below are three different methods for evaluating sources online. There's no "one size fits all" method of determining source credibility, especially when types of content online can be so varied, and what you need the information for has an impact on the ways you evaluate it. For example, if you're researching the impact of social media on body image, an Instagram post might be a useful source. But if you're researching a molecule for your chemistry class, the same source wouldn't be credible.

SIFT

The SIFT method is an evaluation strategy developed by digital literacy expert, Mike Caulfield, to help determine whether online content can be trusted for credible or reliable sources of information. All SIFT information on this page is adapted from his materials with a CC BY 4.0 license.

S - STOP

Before you read or share an article or video, STOP!​

Be aware of your emotional response to the headline or information in the article. Headlines are often meant to get clicks, and will do so by causing the reader to have a strong emotional response.

Before sharing, consider:

What you already know about the topic. ​

What you know about the source. Do you know it's reputation?

Before moving forward or sharing, use the other three moves: Investigate the Source, Find Better Coverage, and Trace Claims, Quotes, and Media back to the Original Context

The next step is to Investigate the Source.

Take a moment to look up the author and source publishing the information.

What can you find about the author/website creators? ​

What is their mission? Do they have vested interests? ​Would their assessment be biased?

Do they have authority in the area?​

Use lateral reading. Go beyond the 'About Us' section on the organization's website and see what other, trusted sources say about the source.​ You can use Google or Wikipedia to investigate the source.

Hovering is another technique to learn more about who is sharing information, especially on social media platforms such as Twitter.

The next step is to Find Better Coverage or other sources that may or may not support the original claim.

Again, use lateral reading to see if you can find other sources corroborating the same information or disputing it.​

What coverage is available on the topic? 

Keep track of trusted news sources.

Many times, fact checkers have already looked into the claims. These fact-checkers are often nonpartisan, nonprofit websites that try to increase public knowledge and understanding by fact checking claims to see if they are based on fact or if they are biased/not supported by evidence.

The final step is to Trace Claims, Quotes, and Media to their Original Context.

When an article references a quote from an expert, or results of a research study, it is good practice to attempt to locate the original source of the information.​ Click through the links to follow the claims to the original source of information. Open up the original reporting sources listed in a bibliography if present

Was the claim, quote, or media fairly represented?

Does the extracted information support the original claims in the research? ​

Is information being cherry-picked to support an agenda or a bias?​

Is information being taken out of context?​

Remember, headlines, blog posts, or tweets may sensationalize facts to get more attention or clicks. ​Re-reporting may omit, misinterpret, or select certain facts to support biased claims. If the claim is taken from a source who took it from another source, important facts and contextual information can be left out. Make sure to read the claims in the original context in which they were presented.

PICK

The PICK method is an evaluation strategy that can be used in combination with SIFT, above. SIFT is a method of fact-checking by examining other sources and PICK examines the source itself to decide if it's the best choice for your needs. PICK information on this page is adapted from Ellen Carey's materials with a CC BY 4.0 license.

P - Purpose / Genre / Type

  • Determine the type of source (book, article, website, social media post, etc.)
    • Why and how was it created? How was it reviewed before publication?
  • Determine the genre of the source (factual reporting, opinion, advertisement, satire, etc.)
  • Consider whether the type and genre are appropriate for your information needs.

I - Information Relevance / Usefulness

  • Consider how well the content of the source addresses your specific information needs
    • Is it directly related to your topic?
    • How does it help you explore a research interest or develop an argument?

C - Creation Date

  • Determine then the source was first published or posted
    • Is the information in the source (including cited references) up-to-date?
  • Consider whether newer sources are available that would add important information

K - Knowledge-Building

  • Consider how this source relates to the body of knowledge of the topic
    • Does it echo other experts' contributions? Does it challenge them in important ways?
    • Does this source contribute something new to the conversation?
  • Consider what voices or perspectives are missing or excluded from the conversation
    • Does this source represent an important missing voice or perspective on the topic?
    • Are other sources available that include those voices or perspectives?
  • How does this source help you to build and share your own knowledge?

SMART Check

The SMART Check is particularly helpful when evaluating news stories.  Determine if your news source is SMART before believing what is reported.

  • SCOPE: What is the scope of the article?  Does it cover the subject with enough depth and detail?
  • MOTIVATION: What is the purpose of the article?  To sell you an idea or to inform?
  • AUTHORITY & ACCURACY: Who created the article, and what are the author's credentials?
    Can the information be verified?
  • RELEVANCY & RELIABILITY: Is the content appropriate for your needs?  Do you have to have scholarly sources?
  • TIMELY: Is the content current?