The SIFT Method
The SIFT Method, which was created by Mike Caulfield at Washington State University-Vancouver, stands for STOP, INVESTIGATE the source, FIND better coverage, and TRACE claims and quotes to the original source. SIFT is a useful tool for contextualizing and fact-checking online news stories.
SIFT Infographic by Mike Caulfield is licensed under CC BY 4.0
Learn about the SIFT Method:
Helpful Tools & Resources
Tools for Investigating Sources
- AllSides Media Bias RatingsSee media bias evaluations by editorial review and community survey
- Interactive Media Bias ChartPlace sources in the context of political spectrum and reliability
- Media Bias Fact-CheckLearn about source political biases, level of factual reporting, history, funding, and failed fact checks
- WikipediaWikipedia is one useful tool for learning more about a source
Tools for Investigating Claims and News Stories
- PolitiFact"A project of the Tampa Bay Times, PolitiFact is an independent fact-checking journalism website aimed at bringing you the truth in politics."
- FactCheck.orgA project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, FactCheck.org is "a nonpartisan, nonprofit 'consumer advocate' for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. We monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases."
- SnopesWebsite which investigates misinformation and myths.
- The Washington Post Fact CheckerFocused primarily on political stories.