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North Metropolitan TAFE Library: Evaluate Your Online Resources

Evaluating Information: SIFT Method

 
  S - Stop
  I - Investigate the source
  F - Find better coverage
  T - Trace claims, quotes and media to the original context
 

 

This work has been generated using Adobe Firefly AI. Any copyright subsisting in this work is owned by North Metropolitan TAFE, 2023. 

Using SIFT method in addressing emerging disinformation threats, addressing concerns related to misinformation, and countering fake news. 
Remember, you can always ask library staff for help with evaluating information.
Watch all four online verification skills videos below, which cover SIFT moves on how to evaluate information, designed by Mike Caulfield: 

S - Stop

I - Investigate the Source

F - Find Better Coverage

T - Trace Claims, Quotes and Media to the Original Context

Modified from Mike Caulfield's SIFT (Four Moves), which is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Evaluating Sources: The CRAAP Test

Evaluation Criteria - CRAAP Test

Currency: The timeliness of the information.
• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
• Are the links functional?

 

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.
• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

 

Authority: The source of the information.
• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net 

 

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.
• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

 

Purpose: The reason the information exists.
• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell,   entertain or persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

 The CRAAP Test, created by Sarah Blakeslee and the librarians at California State University's Meriam Library.

 This work is licensed under Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) 

 

How to Evaluate Information Using the C.R.A.A.P. Test

How to evaluate information using the C.R.A.A.P. test to assess whether it is appropriate for your needs.

The C.R.A.A.P Game

TRAAP Test - Evaluating Information Sources

See also the TRAAP test by the Australian National University modified based on the CRAAP test.