Title: Evaluating Websites: The SIFT Method

Introduction: In today’s digital age, it is crucial for students to develop the skills to evaluate the credibility and reliability of information found on websites. The SIFT method provides a simple yet effective framework to assess the trustworthiness of online sources. This handout will guide you through the SIFT method using the website “Evaluating Websites” from SMSU Library as an example.

Website Example: Evaluating Websites Website URL: https://libguides.smsu.edu/c.php?g=1134031&p=8282527

SIFT Method: The SIFT method consists of four key steps: Stop, Investigate the Source, Find Trusted Coverage, and Trace Claims, Quotes, and Media.

1. Stop: Before diving into the content, take a moment to pause and consider the following questions: - Does the website’s URL seem reliable? (.edu, .gov, .org are generally more trustworthy than .com or personal websites) - Is the website familiar to you or recommended by a reputable source? - Does the website have a professional design and layout?

2. Investigate the Source: Dig deeper into the website’s source to determine its credibility: - Look for an “About Us” or “Contact” page to find information about the author, organization, or institution responsible for the website. - Check the author’s credentials, expertise, and affiliations. Are they qualified to provide accurate information? - Assess the website’s domain authority and reputation. Is it affiliated with a reputable institution or organization?

3. Find Trusted Coverage: Evaluate the website’s content and determine if it provides reliable information: - Examine the purpose of the website. Is it educational, informative, or biased? - Look for references, citations, or links to external sources that support the information presented. - Compare the information with other reliable sources to ensure consistency and accuracy.

4. Trace Claims, Quotes, and Media: Verify the claims, quotes, and media used on the website: - Fact-check any statistics, data, or claims made on the website using trusted sources. - Cross-reference quotes or statements with other reputable sources to ensure accuracy. - Check the credibility of images, videos, or other media used on the website. Look for any signs of manipulation or bias.

Conclusion: By following the SIFT method, you can critically evaluate websites and make informed decisions about the reliability and credibility of the information they provide. Remember to apply these evaluation techniques to any website you encounter to ensure you are accessing accurate and trustworthy information.

Note: The website “Evaluating Websites” from SMSU Library serves as an excellent model for understanding the SIFT method. However, it is essential to explore various sources and practice evaluating websites independently to enhance your skills further.

References: - Evaluating Websites. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://libguides.smsu.edu/c.php?g=1134031&p=8282527