SIFT

is a quick way to evaluate sources as you are doing research.

Using your gut instinct goes two ways. If the information confirms what you already believe, watch out for confirmation bias. If the information gives you a strong emotional reaction, check for a bias the source might have. If your gut tells you the information might be biased, what can you do?

Wikipedia isn't a great source for your research, but it can be a great source for verifying and vetting the information you find. If the organization publishing the information has an agenda, or cause, that they are promoting, you need know they might be biased. What's another way to identify if an organization might be biased?

• Ask your teacher

• Search the organization on Google or Bing

• Ask the librarian

• Ask a classmate

If multiple media outlets are reporting the same thing, which source should you use and why?

Why is it a good idea to trace information back to the original source?

Who probably is NOT a good source of help with evaluating sources?

• Your librarian

• Your teacher

• A friend on Discord