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Health: Evaluating Resources

Evaluating Websites

Use the SIFT Method to fact-check websites and articles for credibility. When looking at websites and reading article, think about the following: 

  • Is it a credible website? 
  • Is it biased?
  • Is it worthy of your attention?

SIFT Method

Here’s a quick review of the SIFT Method: 

  1. Stop. Before even reading the article, ask yourself if you know what you’re looking at and whether it is worth your time. Chances are, you’ll want to move to the next SIFT step to learn more about the source before you even take the time to read it.

  2. Investigate the source. What can you find out about the organization or corporation behind this website? Remember to use lateral reading in this step. Identify the organization responsible for the website and then open a new tab and research that organization. Are they likely to have a biased perspective or a specific agenda that might affect their credibility?

  3. Find trusted coverage. Continue your use of lateral reading to learn more about the claims made in the original link. Can you find one or more better, more credible sources of information? Try to discern if this is an area where there is scientific consensus (e.g., you can find a statement from a medical or governmental organization); an area with emerging evidence, where the science is too preliminary or limited for a consensus; or an area of controversy, where experts may disagree.

  4. Trace claims, quotes, and media to the original context. When it comes to health information, this step is where we consider what context might be missing from the online content. If that context is important to us, where can we find it? This may mean searching for the original study cited in an article, or looking up additional information.

  5. Final conclusion. Is this an information source that you feel is credible and worth your time? Would you feel confident sharing it with others? Would you use the information to influence your own health decisions? Would you use it as a source in a research paper or for a class assignment?

Evaluating Websites

Check out these videos from Mike Caulfield, Director of Blended and Networked Learning at Washington State University Vancouver, that will teach you simple evaluation skills. 

You can also read his book "Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers" online for additional resources on this topic. 

Introductory Video

Investigate the Source

Find the Original Source

Look for Trusted Work