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Evaluate

How to Evaluate a Resource and Know if it's Reliable

When you aren't using a database, and just searching around on the internet, you need to make sure that the sources you are using are valid resources. 

One of the ways you can determine if a website is a good source of information is to use the Four Moves, or S.I.F.T.  This combined with lateral reading (finding the same information across multiple resources) are the best ways to make sure the information you are reading is credible. 

No, this does not involve tracking authors down and grilling them on their credentials. You are not Liam Neeson, and this is not Taken 3. Your sleuthing methods will need to be a bit more covert.

Stop, Investigate, Find, Trace (The S.I.F.T Strategy)

It's hard to find information that's trustworthy. Use this helpful strategy!

Stop

Ask yourself: 

  • Do I know this website?
  • Is it truthful?
  • Does it show bias?

Investigate

  • Does the author have special knowledge or expertise in this subject?
  • Is the information aiming to make me agree with a particular viewpoint or opinion?

Find

Look for more than one source
that seems credible to make sure the information is real. Pay attention to where the information comes from.

Trace

Can you find where the original information comes from?