Ask these questions about your source...
When you encounter any kind of source, consider:
- Authority - Who is the author? What is their point of view?
- Purpose - Why was the source created? Who is the intended audience?
- Publication & format - Where was it published? In what medium?
- Relevance - How is it relevant to your research? What is its scope?
- Date of publication - When was it written? Has it been updated?
- Documentation - Did they cite their sources? Who did they cite?
From Berkley Library (University of California)
SIFT
Look Over what you have by using the CRAAP test or other vertical evaluation tool.
Investigate the source by seeing what other organizations or people say.
Find other sources on your question or topic. Are they similar?
Trace any claims, quotes, and media back to the original content.
Read Laterally!
Lateral reading means you take the name of the website (or article, or book, etc.) you have, and search it online to see more information from others. Remember that websites with biases tend to present themselves and their viewpoints in the best possible light - if you truly want to evaluate it, you will have to go outside of the original. (Central Michigan University Libraries)
Creator: Lyons, Regina Mary