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SIFT: Quick Source & Claim Checking to Spot Fake or Misleading Information

Learn to use the SIFT method to spot fake and misleading information

Lateral Reading


When you're evaluating a source you found on the Web, don't just look at the source. There are sites that may look very professional and credible that are actually promoting a certain agenda or viewpoint. If you are unfamiliar with the source, it is always a good idea to open a new tab and do a Web search on the source and/or the organization that is providing it. This process is called Lateral Reading - in addition to reading down the Webpage, you open additional tabs and go outside of your page to see what others are saying about it.

See Lateral Reading At Work

Use this series of brief videos, from Mike Caulfield at Washington State University, to see how Lateral Reading works.


Introduction to Lateral Reading

 

Investigate the Source

 

Find the Original Source

 

Look for Trusted Work