When it comes to evaluating sources, context is key. We need to consider who produced the information, where, when, and why. We need to consider its relationship to other pieces of information, and how they fit together. We need to consider how the information affects us, and our role in using and sharing it.

Take a moment to think about a topic you've encountered in the news, on social media, or in your coursework. Discuss:

• Under what circumstances would you share information on this topic? Why?
• Where and how would you expect to encounter information on this topic? What would you look for to know if information on this topic is reliable? Why?
• How is information on this topic created / shared? Where would you look for reliable information on this topic? Why?
• Who is producing information on this topic? Whose perspectives are missing or unheard? Why?

Based on and inspired by the 2021 blog post, Dismantling the Evaluation Framework by Alaina C. Bull, Margy MacMillan, and Alison Head.

In the video below, find tips for selecting articles from library databases.

The SIFT Method is a series of quick actions for evaluating sources and identifying misinformation online. The letters stand for Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, Trace claims, quotes and media to the original context. Click the buttons on the image below to learn more about each step.

Check out the Fact Checking page of this guide for a more in-depth tutorial about SIFT!

What is the CRAAP / TRAAP Test?

The CRAAP Test is a set of criteria for evaluating sources. The letters stand for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. It is a checklist with characteristics of good and bad websites. It was developed by Sarah Blakeslee (2004) of California State University, Chico's Meriam Library. The TRAAP acronym uses the word "timeline" in place of "currency."

Does the SIFT Method replace the CRAAP / TRAAP Test?

The SIFT Method was developed by Mike Caulfield as an alternative to the CRAAP Test. It is based on research that showed how students and professors who focused on superficial characteristics of a website had more difficulty evaluating websites than did professional fact checkers who used lateral reading. However, many of the critical questions these lateral readers asked about credibility of sources remained the same (Caulfield). Currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose are still important concepts when evaluating sources, but they cannot be evaluated in a vacuum. The SIFT Method provides actions that help users re-contextualize information on the web.