Use the SIFT method

• STOP ➜ Before you use or share a piece of information, make sure it is accurate.

• INVESTIGATE ➜ If you aren't sure about the source of the information, try to figure out who published it and why.

• FIND ➜ Look for coverage of the information in a different source. If you can't find anything, you probably shouldn't trust it.

• TRACE ➜ Whenever possible, find the original source of the information. Read this rather than trusting someone else's interpretation of it.

Check out the SIFT page or more information on how to conduct each step.

Questions to ask yourself while researching & writing:

• ​​Do I have enough background information to be able to search successfully?

• Am I using the correct search terms?

• Do I need to try a different type of source?

• Has my question changed as a result of my research?

• Do I need more supporting evidence?

• Do I have a counterargument?

Use rubrics

Your assignment likely already has a rubric. Use it to regularly critique your work during the research and writing/creation process.

Here is a general research rubric. You can also search Google for rubrics related to the form your final project will take.