When you begin working with sources, it is important to get in the habit of critically assessing each source. Reliable information can come from many places- the library, the internet, books, videos, scholarly and popular sources. No single source is necessarily always reliable or always unreliable.
Remember that the type of source you need will vary depending on the assignment.
Lateral reading is a process where you step away from a source and investigate the source's author/creator. It is a highly effective technique employed by professional fact checkers.
Try lateral reading the next time you are doing research. Take a moment to do an internet search on the an article's author or the organization that publishes a website. What are others saying about the source?
The BEAM model can help you find and use sources effectively. BEAM stands for:
Background- the source provides information or definitions that help explain your topic
Exhibit- the source shows information or images that you will analyze or interpret
Evidence- the source provides evidence in support of an argument or its opposing view
Method- the source explains a method of researching or interpreting information
Bias is present in everything- even in media sources that attempt to present a "balanced" view on issues. Check out the Media Bias Chart below.
You've probably read news articles about companies funding research that supports their industry. If you need help determining who funded research, ask a librarian. We're here to help!
A useful model for evaluating information is the SIFT* & PICK approach. This method involves a combination of:
Lateral Reading (SIFT): fact-checking by examining other sources and internet fact-checking tools; and
Vertical Reading (PICK): examining the source itself to decide whether it is the best choice for your needs.
*The SIFT method was created by Mike Caulfield under a CC BY 4.0.
SIFT & PICK was created by Ellen Carey under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 .
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SIFT & PICK Method Handout