Critically Evaluating Sources
20 Lateral Reading
Lateral Reading
What is Lateral Reading?
Lateral Reading is a comprehensive way to evaluate side-by-side numerous resources online to seek more information and credibility measures about the text you are reading.
SIFT
Mike Caulfield (Washington State University) developed the Four Moves or SIFT to support lateral reading evaluation.
STOP: stop and take space for yourself, especially if there is upsetting content that brings out a strong emotional response. Consider what YOU know about the topic as well as the source of the material and take the next steps below before sharing information.
INVESTIGATE: investigate the source, the author, and who is publishing this information. What can you find about it, are there other interests, conflicts, or biases involved?
FIND: find better coverage, there are some verifiable and reliable sources to compare to the source you are investigating!
TRACE: trace the claims, quotes, and media to their original context. Remember, things can be presented in a way that falsely misleads readers!
You can find more information on the SIFT method here!
SMART Check
The SMART Check is a method that can be used to help evaluate news stories and sources.
SCOPE: what is the scope of the article, and how much depth and detail does it cover about the subject matter?
MOTIVATION: what is the purpose of the article, is the motivation to educate or to sell you an idea?
AUTHORITY: who created the articles, what are their credentials, and is there a way to verify the information and creator?
RELEVANCY: is the content appropriate for your research needs, and are there other scholarly sources that are reliable and available to you?
TIMELY: is the content current?
