FAQ: What is SIFT?

The SIFT Method is an evaluation framework developed by misinformation researcher Mike Caulfield. SIFT is an acronym for: Stop and Reflect (S), Investigate the Source (I), Find Reliable Coverage (F), and Trace the Claim (T). The SIFT Method is especially helpful when analyzing online sources, newspaper articles, and social media. Check out the information below for an exploration of each of the steps of the SIFT Method, as well as a video tutorial!

 S - STOP and REFLECT

Consider the context of your research and what you know about the source along the reputation of the source. This step is a reminder to critically consider the information we engage with.  

• Can you trust the information being presented is accurate? 
• Does the source of the information have a reliable reputation?

The SIFT method is about checking to make sure you can reliably use the information you find.

 I - INVESTIGATE the SOURCE

When we investigate the source, we're focusing on how likely it is that the creator or publisher of the information would present accurate, reliable information. We can approach this with our own research of the source and by looking for information about the creator or publisher from other sources.

Ask questions like:

• Who wrote it? Who published it? 
• When was it published?
• Is it peer-reviewed/ under editorial oversight? 
• What is their mission? Do they have vested interests? Would their assessment be biased?

Google the Source

To do a quick check of who is creating the information and/or funding it. Use lateral reading. Go beyond the 'About Us' section on the organization's website and see what other, trusted sources say about the source.

 F - FIND RELIABLE COVERAGE

When we find other evidence, we set aside the source we're evaluating. Instead, we consider and confirm the details it reports. It is possible for a generally unsuitable publisher to share correct information. When finding reliable coverage might be helpful, we ask:

• Can you find this claim repeated elsewhere?
• Is this claim a consensus, or an outlier?

How you go about finding reliable coverage will depend on the kind of source you're considering. If the original source looks like a news article on the free web, it makes sense to use your search engine of choice. If you're skeptical of the findings of a scholarly article, it makes sense to do additional searches in library databases.

 T - TRACE CLAIMS

Finally, we can trace the claims a source makes. This is particularly helpful when a source mentions where the claim they’re making comes from.  When you trace claims, ask questions like:

• Is there another resource that the original source relies on for most of its information?
• Was the claim, quote, or media represented fairly?
• What does the original source say?
  • Is it the same thing?
  • Does it contradict what is in your source? Expand on it?
  • Was the claim, quote, or media fairly represented?

Whenever you have the option to look at the original, investigate that original source. Some sources will include a formal citation for this kind of reference, a link, or only a textual clue. This link opens in a new window

More Information

• What is SIFT (Infographic) is link opens in a new window
• Website of Mike Caulfield, creator of the SIFT Method

The SIFT information presented has been adapted from materials by Mike Caulfield with a CC BY 4.0 This link opens in a new window license.