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Human Experience

This guide will provide context for some of your readings in HE.

The SIFT Method

Determining if resources are credible is challenging. Use the SIFT method to help you analyze information, especially news or other online media.

The SIFT method was created by Mike Caulfield. All SIFT information on this page is adapted from his materials with a CC BY 4.0 license.

Trace icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

Introduction to SIFT

Here are four steps to help evaluate sources: it's called The SIFT Method 

STOP

The first step is to STOP and consider the source. Do you trust the source of the information?  Don't share it until you know more.

INVESTIGATE THE SOURCE

Do a quick Google search to figure out where information is coming from before reading will help you decide if it is worth your time.
This will help gain a better understand its significance and trustworthiness.

FIND BETTER COVERAGE

While you're Googling, see who else is covering the topic. Maybe you'll find a better resource that you'd like to use. Or realize the source you've found isn't worth using at all. 

TRACE CLAIMS, QUOTES, AND MEDIA TO THEIR ORIGINAL CONTEXT

To get the whole picture, see if you can find the original newspaper, or video, or government agency. This will give you a better understanding of the material.