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
When you find a source - STOP!
Do you know and trust the author, publisher, publication or website?
Stopping before reading allows you to assess the source before you read too much and fall prey to confirmation bias
If you do not, move onto 'I' - Investigate the source.
Get off the web page to see what others have said about the source
Open some new tabs in your browser and do a Google and Wikipedia search to see what you can find about the source
Watch the short video below for a demonstration of this strategy
If the source is low quality, unreliable or cannot be verified, move to 'F' - Find Better Coverage
Look for another source that includes trusted reporting on analysis on the same claim
You can think of this as 'trading up' for a higher quality source
Over time, you will build your own knowledge base of trusted sources
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
If your original source makes claims or quotes, trace them back to where they came from
To trace claims, look for references, hyperlinks or phrases such as "according to..." - then follow these up
Does your source accurately present the original context?
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