What is the SIFT Method?
The SIFT Method is a series of steps you can take in order to determine the validity and reliability of claims and sources on the web. Each letter in "SIFT" corresponds to one of the "Four Moves" used to evaluate information.
When practiced, SIFT reveals the necessary context to read, view, or listen effectively before reading an article or other information online.
- We learn about the author, speaker, or publisher: What’s their expertise? Their agenda? Their record of fairness or accuracy?
- We check on claims: Are they broadly accepted? Rejected? Something in-between?
- We don’t take evidence at face value. Is it presented in its original context, or with a certain frame that changes its meaning for the reader or viewer?
Mike Caulfield, the individual who created the SIFT Method, explains why developing our online evaluation skills are more important now than ever before in this short video (1:30).
The SIFT Method was created by Mike Caulfield, all information in the SIFT Method section was adapted via CC licensing from his materials. As the authors of the original version have not reviewed any other copy's modifications, the text of any site not arrived at through the previous link should not be sourced to the original authors.