The SIFT method was developed by Mike Caulfield. This guide is adapted from his online materials and his book, Verified.
S - STOP
S - STOP
Stop! Before you react strongly or share the information, consider YOU!
Does this matter to YOU?
What do YOU know about this topic?
What do YOU know about this source?
Are YOU sure?
Tools:
Your background knowledge
I - INVESTIGATE
I - INVESTIGATE
Investigate the SOURCE before you engage with the information.
What is the SOURCE? (expert, news, influencer, organization, etc.)
What is the purpose or agenda of this SOURCE? (inform, entertain, persuade, etc.)
What is the SOURCE'S potential bias?
Tools:
F - FIND
F - FIND
Find other coverage or consensus on this CLAIM.
What do other sources have to say about this CLAIM?
Are there multiple trusted sources that agree with the CLAIM or trust the source?
Tools:
Google Lens (for images)
Other trusted sources (LRC databases and recommended sources)
T - TRACE
T - TRACE
Trace claims, quotes, and media to their original source to get the complete picture.
Where did the original information come from?
Was the original information correctly represented?
Was the information out of context?
Was the information cherry-picked to support an agenda?
Tools:
Citations, hyperlinks, and names of quoted sources found in the information
Google Lens (for images)
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