Embedded Files
Information Literacy is an incredibly important skill to posess in the 21st century! I found this amazing website (College of the Mainland Library based in Texas) that has a great collection of critical thinking and information literacy guides to help you evaluate your sources!
CONTEXT and PERSPECTIVE
CONTEXT and PERSPECTIVE
Any time you're looking for information online, think about the CONTEXT of the information and the PERSPECTIVE of the source.
Context
Context
No source of information can give you ALL the details and facts about a topic. Sources must choose what parts to include, and what parts to leave out. So it's important to think about the CONTEXT of any information you find - you're only seeing a small piece, so what's the bigger picture that piece of information is a part of?
Perspective matters!
Perspective
Perspective
How you view something can change what you are able to perceive and understand. Simply standing in a different place can change your point of view enough to help you see something you never noticed. The same is true with information sources. They have a particular point of view, and it affects what they say and how they say it.
First Rule: When you find information online, SIFT it.
First Rule: When you find information online, SIFT it.
Stop and think.
Stop and think.
Does this make sense and fit with what I think I know? Is it trying to manipulate my emotions (make me angry, scared, overjoyed) so I'll share it without thinking about it?
Investigate the source.
Investigate the source.
Who made the webpage or shared the social media post? Consider their motives: Why are they sharing this info? Do they have any reason to be biased about this topic?
Find additional coverage.
Find additional coverage.
Are any other RELIABLE sources saying the same thing as this source? If not, what makes me think I can trust this particular source?
Trace claims, quotes, and media.
Trace claims, quotes, and media.
Where did this source get their information? Reliable sources reveal who they interviewed and where they did their research.
Don't get fooled by confirmation bias!
Don't get fooled by confirmation bias!
Confirmation bias is the tendency t0 seek out and prefer information that confirms your existing beliefs or theories, and to interpret new evidence through that lens. When you ignore information that could contradict your beliefs, you are engaging in confirmation bias.
Confirmation bias is the tendency t0 seek out and prefer information that confirms your existing beliefs or theories, and to interpret new evidence through that lens. When you ignore information that could contradict your beliefs, you are engaging in confirmation bias.
Be careful trusting what you read on the Internet.
Be careful trusting what you read on the Internet.
Americans trust the media less than ever before, and for good reason. Never blindly trust what you hear on tv or see online- use the following tools to help you make an informed, conscious decision about the information you are fed.
Tips
Tips
Don't just read the headlines- They are often dramatic and sensationalized to get more clicks.
Always question what you read.
Find out if the story is being covered by other media sources. Cross reference what you read to see if other reliable sources agree/present the same story.
Some level of bias is often inevitable in today's media world. Seek out sources that are intentional in presenting you with unbiased information.
Check the comments under articles you find on social media to see if other "fact checkers" have provided evidence to the contrary.
Page updated
Report abuse