CrashCourse Scientific Thinking: Evaluating Sources

Vocabulary and concepts related to scientific literacy, source types, and the SIFT method for evaluating information.

University of Newcastle Study Range

A study reporting that people might consume a range of microplastics from a high of $5\,g$ down to $0.1\,g$ per week.

World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)

A nonprofit advocacy group whose goal is to preserve nature through lobbying and research.

Primary Source

The first-hand account from the scientists who actually conducted a study; it is the most accurate representation of the research findings.

Secondary Source

A report or document, often written by consultants or people who did not conduct the research directly, that interprets or records information from primary sources.

Tertiary Source

Sources such as news articles that summarize information from primary and secondary sources and are usually not written by scientists.

Misinformation

Information that is wrong or misleading, often resulting from an honest mistake or facts being mixed up.

Disinformation

Information that is intentionally misleading or false.

Mike Caulfield

A digital literacy expert from the University of Washington who developed the SIFT method for evaluating sources.

SIFT

A strategy for evaluating sources consisting of four steps: Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims back to original context.

Stop (SIFT step)

The first step of source evaluation used when a story triggers a strong emotional response, requiring the consumer to think before sharing or reacting.

Investigate the Source (SIFT step)

The process of determining who is publishing information and why, including checking their reputation and potential motives.

Find Better Coverage (SIFT step)

Using lateral reading to determine if other reputable outlets are reporting the same information or if they disagree with the original source.

Trace Claims back to Original Context (SIFT step)

The process of following quotes, images, or statistics back to their origin to see if the information has been changed or misrepresented.

Lateral Reading

A strategy involving checking other websites, newspapers, and media guides to verify the credibility and bias of an original source.

Conflict of Interest

A situation where an organization's specific mission or goals, such as advocacy, may lead them to occasionally misrepresent or selectively report scientific information.