How to Evaluate Websites
When evaluating web resources, try using the SIFT method developed by Mike Caulfield, Washington State University digital literacy expert and author of the open access book Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers.
The SIFT method consists of four moves, or things you can do, to quickly evaluate sources you come across on the open web; they are:
SIFT (The Four Moves), Mike Caulfield licensed under a CC-BY 4.0 Creative Commons License.
Use the short tutorials below to learn how to use the SIFT method when evaluating websites and be sure to check out Mike Caulfield's Check, Please! Starter course to learn how to fact and source-check in five easy lessons.
SIFT Tutorials
SIFT (The Four Moves), Mike Caulfield licensed under a CC-BY 4.0 Creative Commons License.
SIFT (The Four Moves), Mike Caulfield licensed under a CC-BY 4.0 Creative Commons License.
SIFT (The Four Moves), Mike Caulfield licensed under a CC-BY 4.0 Creative Commons License.
SIFT (The Four Moves), Mike Caulfield licensed under a CC-BY 4.0 Creative Commons License.
Fact-Checking Websites
- Digital Resource Center: Center for News LiteracySite seeks to share information to improve News Literacy by providing instruction on how to locate reliable information in the media.
- Factcheck.orgA "nonpartisan, non-profit consumer advocate" for voters that seeks to reduce deception and confusion in US politics.
- Flackcheck.orgSister website to Factcheck.org that includes resources to help viewers see flaws in general arguments and political ads
- News Literacy ProjectA "nonpartisan national education nonprofit" that provides programs and resources on information literacy so that individuals can "teach, learn and share the abilities needed to be smart, active consumers of news and information and equal and engaged participants in a democracy."
- SnopesSite that began research into the truth behind urban legends has since grown into the oldest and largest fact-checking site on the internet.