LibGuides: Research skills: Evaluating sources

Evaluating your resources

When you search and select your information for online and academic resources, you need to consider

the accuracy,
the relevance and
the timeliness of the information

by applying the method and test of

SIFT methods - for online sources
CRAAP Test - for academic research

SIFT (The four moves)

SIFT method was created by Mike Caulfield, a research scientist at the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public. The method aims to

help researchers how to evaluate online information
combat evolving misinfomation threats and concerns in digital news and online media in four moves.

This material has been adapted and reused under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Stop

Pause and consider before continuing.

Do you know this site?
Consider its reputation
What is your information goal?

Investigate the source

Look into the source and author.

What is the purpose of the source?
What can you find about the site and/or the author?

Find better coverage

Check for alternative sources and viewpoints.

Can you find similar coverage?
Are there more reputable and/or in-depth sources available?

Trace claims, quotes and media to the original context

Can you find the original source?
Does the information match?
How does it differ?

SIFT method explained

Online Verification Skills - Video 1: Introductory Video

Other Online Verification Skills videos with Mike Caulfield

Video 2: Investigate the source | Video 3: Find the original source | Video 4: Look for trusted work

Source: https://youtu.be/yBU2sDlUbp8?si=3-IvIRGZV1izYYOl

The CRAAP Test was originally developed by Sarah Blakeslee of the University of California at Chico's Meriam Library. It is a way to evaluate any type of information, including websites. This material has been adapted and reused under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Currency	Timeliness of the information When was the information published or posted? Has the information been revised or updated? Does your topic require current information, or older sources can be used/needed? If using the Web, are the links functional, i.e no broken links?
Relevance	The importance of the information for your needs Does the source meets your information needs or answer your questions? Who is the intended audience? Is the information too simple or advanced for your assessment? Have you looked at the different sources before deciding which one you will use?
Authority	The source of information Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? Is the source reputable, such as author's credentials or organisational affiliations? Is there contact information, such as publisher or email address? Are there any evidence presented to support the argument, such as references, tables of results or graphs? If using the Web sources, does the URL reveal anything about the author or source. Examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Accuracy	The reliability, truthfulness of the source/information Where does the information come from? Has the evidence been reviewed or refereed? Is the information supported by evidence, such as research papers, reports? Does the language seem unbiased and free of emotion? Are there any spelling, grammar or typing errors?
Purpose	The reason the source/information was created What is the purpose of the source/information, such as to inform, teach, persuade or influence? Do the authors make their purpose or intentions clear? Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Is the point of view objective or biased? Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?