The SIFT Method
The SIFT Method is a simple 4-step method to help you evaluate information that you find on the web. This method, based on fact-checking strategies, helps you to quickly make a decision about whether or not a source is worthy of your attention.
SIFT Method Information and Graphics from Chapter 17: The SIFT Method Introduction to College Research
Stop!
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When you find a source - STOP!
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Do you know and trust the author, publisher, publication or website?
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Stopping before reading allows you to assess the source before you read too much and fall prey to confirmation bias
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If you do not, move onto 'I' - Investigate the source.
Investigate the Source
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Get off the web page to see what others have said about the source
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Open some new tabs in your browser and do a Google and Wikipedia search to see what you can find about the source
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Watch the short video below for a demonstration of this strategy
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If the source is low quality, unreliable or cannot be verified, move to 'F' - Find Better Coverage
Find Better Coverage
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Look for another source that includes trusted reporting on analysis on the same claim
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You can think of this as 'trading up' for a higher quality source
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Over time, you will build your own knowledge base of trusted sources
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If you aren't able to find an alternative source but would still like to cover the point of view, move on to 'T' - Trace Claims, Quotes, and Media to the Original Context
Trace Claims, Quotes and Media to the Original Context
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If your original source makes claims or quotes, trace them back to where they came from
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To trace claims, look for references, hyperlinks or phrases such as "according to..." - then follow these up
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Does your source accurately present the original context?
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Often, the original reporting or quote is a better option for you to use
Watch this video where Mike Caulfield, Washington State University digital literacy expert, explains how to quickly and easily investigate a source using the SIFT Method:
More videos and details on using the SIFT Method can be found in Chapter 17: The SIFT Method in the eBook Introduction to College Research