The SIFT Method

Use the SIFT method — Stop, Investigate, Find better coverage, Trace claims — for fast, effective source evaluation.

11 min 3 quiz questions Grade 7

A Faster Approach for the Digital Age

CRAAP is thorough but slow. SIFT is designed for the fast-moving digital environment where you encounter dozens of claims daily. It emphasizes lateral reading — checking what others say about a source rather than just reading the source itself.

The Four SIFT Moves

Stop:Pause before sharing or believing. Recognize your emotional reaction — strong emotions (outrage, excitement) are a signal to slow down and evaluate.

Investigate the Source:Before reading the content, find out who is behind it. A quick search can reveal whether a source is credible, biased, or a known misinformation site.

Find Better Coverage:Look for other sources covering the same claim. If a story is only reported by one outlet, be skeptical. Credible stories are covered by multiple independent sources.

Trace Claims:Follow claims back to their original source. Many articles cite other articles that cite other articles — find the original study, report, or statement.

Lateral Reading

The most powerful SIFT technique is lateral reading: instead of reading a source deeply, open new tabs and search for what others say about it. Fact-checkers, journalists, and researchers have already evaluated many sources. Use their work.

Search the Source, Not the Claim

When you encounter an unfamiliar website, search the website name rather than the claim it makes. This quickly reveals whether it is a credible outlet, a known satire site, or a misinformation source.

SIFT in Action

You see a shocking headline shared on social media. Stop — notice your emotional reaction. Investigate — search the website name. Find better coverage — check if major news outlets are reporting it. Trace — find the original source of the claim. This takes 2–3 minutes and prevents you from spreading misinformation.

Ready to test your knowledge?

3 questions · Grade 7 level