Collins Memorial Library: CCS 151: "Just Asking Questions" :The Power, Psychology, and Politics of Fake News and Conspiracy Theories: Evaluating Sources

The BEAM Framework

BEAM is a framework for thinking about the various ways in which a resource might be used to make a researched argument. Joseph Bizup, an English professor at Boston University, outlined the framework in a 2008 article. The idea has since been refined and adapted by many others.

Lateral Reading

This video (3.5 minutes) from University of Louisville Libraries Citizen Literacy Project describes the practice of "lateral reading," a strategy used by professional fact-checkers to investigate the reliability of online sources.

The SIFT Method

SIFT is a method of evaluating online information developed by Mike Caulfield of Washington State University Vancouver. This infographic shows the steps of SIFT: Stop, investigate the source, find trusted coverage, trace claims, quotes and media to the original context.

Learn more about SIFT:

Check, Please! Starter Course
Caulfield's SIFT evaluation process in 5 lessons.
Sifting Through the Pandemic
Caulfield illustrates using SIFT to evaluate coronavirus information & misinformation.
Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers
Caulfield's fuller introduction to web literacy.
Online Verification Skills with Mike Caulfield (Video Playlist)
Mike Caulfield, who developed the SIFT methodology from observing the work of professional fact checkers, leads us through the 4 moves that anyone can make to verify a news story or find out if a source is trustworthy.

Crash Course Navigating Digital Information

John Green previews the new Crash Course on Navigating Digital Information, a 10 video course in hands-on skills to evaluate the information you read online.