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Writing Intensive Courses

All writing intensive courses have learning outcomes related to research. This page provides research guidance for students enrolled in writing-intensive courses.
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Evaluating Sources

Determining the credibility of resources can be a difficult task. The SIFT method is helpful for sorting through what is credible and what is not, especially in regards to online media, which can be published and shared with very little oversight. Caulfield describes the SIFT method as "a short list of things to do when looking at a source," which are then attached to effect web search techniques. 

Evaluating Information Tips and Activity

Step 1: STOP and reflect on what you already know. 

Watch the video below.

This video explains why we need to be cautious about online resources and introduces the topic. Watch the first tutorial and then consider the first step. Before you share an article or a video online or use a source for your essay or project, STOP! Do I know this source? Do I know its reputation? Do I know whether this source is reliable of credible? Video length: 3:11.

Step 2: INVESTIGATE

Investigate the source of the information you've already found using the tips here.

When you investigate the source, you need to go to outside sources to learn information about their reputation. Wikipedia is a great starting point to check the reputation of a source. Video length: 2:41. 

Step 3: FIND.

Find the original source of the information in your article, webpage or other resource. Are there citations? Are they real? Keep in mind that A.I. may give you fake citations!

The next step is to check the veracity of an article by finding the best sources for the topic. These are often the original or primary sources, but can also be more reputable news sources with a strong track record. You can use fact checking organizations to check on the reputation of sites for accuracy  Use some of the sites provided on this page. As you research, keep a list of trusted sites whom you have verified. (video length: 1:30.) For images, you can do a reverse image search.

Step 4: TRACE.

Can you trace the claims made in this source? Do the links work? Is there a bibliography? Is there evidence? Follow the tips in the video on your own source.

To trace the claims of an article, make sure you click through links provided to be sure the original source says what the article claims. Look at the context. Was the information or media contained within the source accurately represented? Video length: 4:09.