Evaluating sources
Not all information is equally reliable. Evaluating sources carefully is essential in an age of misinformation.
Scholarly and popular sources
Scholarly sources are written by experts for experts, usually peer-reviewed, with citations and detailed methods: journal articles and academic books. Popular sources, such as newspapers, magazines, and blogs, are written for general audiences. Both can be useful; know which you are using and why.
Peer review
Peer review means other experts evaluated a study before publication, checking methods and conclusions. It is a strong quality signal, but not a guarantee: peer-reviewed studies can still have flaws, and single studies can be overturned. Look for findings confirmed by multiple studies.
Credibility questions
Ask: Who wrote it, and what is their expertise? Who published it, and do they have standards and editorial review? When was it published, and is it current enough for your topic? What evidence does it offer? What is its purpose: to inform, persuade, or sell? Does it acknowledge other views?
Bias and purpose
All sources have perspectives, but some have conflicts of interest: a study on sugary drinks funded by a soda company, or a think tank with a strong political agenda. Bias does not automatically make a source wrong, but it means you should check its claims against independent sources.
Lateral reading
Research by the Stanford History Education Group found that professional fact-checkers evaluate websites by leaving them and opening new tabs to see what other sources say about the site and its authors. This lateral reading is faster and more accurate than studying the site itself, which can look professional while being unreliable.
The SIFT method
Mike Caulfield's SIFT method summarises quick evaluation: Stop (pause before sharing or using), Investigate the source (what do others say about it?), Find better coverage (look for trusted reporting on the claim), and Trace claims, quotes, and media to their original context.
Misinformation and AI-generated content
Misinformation is false information spread regardless of intent; disinformation is spread deliberately. Manipulated images, fake quotes, and AI-generated text and images can look convincing. Check original sources, look for corroboration from reputable outlets, and be wary of content designed to provoke strong emotions.
Worked example
A student finds a polished website claiming a supplement boosts memory 'by 80%'. Instead of studying the site, she searches for the organisation's name and finds it sells the supplement. A search for the claimed study turns up no peer-reviewed publication, while a review in a medical journal finds no reliable evidence of benefit. She does not use the site as evidence.
Key takeaways
Scholarly sources are peer-reviewed and written for experts; popular sources target general readers. Peer review signals quality but is not infallible. Ask about author, publisher, date, evidence, purpose, and balance. Check for conflicts of interest. Read laterally and use SIFT: Stop, Investigate, Find better coverage, Trace claims. Be wary of misinformation and AI-generated content.
Flashcard
Expert-written, peer-reviewed, cited
Check your understanding
What do professional fact-checkers typically do when evaluating an unfamiliar website?