1. What type of information is it? Opinion or fact? A response to someone's posting or an advertisement? Does it have a political slant or viewpoint? Who produced or sponsored the information? Did it come in a tweet or was it posted on Facebook? Don't trust a photograph. Search it on Google Images to find where it came from. Check out videos, too.
2. Who shared/published it and where did you find it? Look for unusual endings or characters in the url of websites: "nytimes.com.co"; "newslo"; "com.de"; "USAToday.com.co". Watch for bad web design, cluttered screens, misspelled words, and use of all capital letters.
3. Who or what are the sources and how do they know this information? News content often cites sources for their information. Is an organization or public official being cited? Is it a document or report? Are the sources experts? Are they providing fact or opinion? Find the original source.
4. Is there evidence or proof provided by the source? Can this evidence be verified by other sources? Is it specific and easy to find? The more evidence you have, the more likely the information can be trusted. Make sure the information is not fake or exaggerated or taken out of context. Does it sound unbelievable or outrageous? Other reputable sites should be reporting the same information.
5. Is there a main point to the information and is this point supported by evidence? Most news has some kind of main point and a conclusion that is based on the main point. Does this main point make sense and is the conclusion supported by evidence? The conclusion and evidence need to be connected and not just a coincidence. It's also good if other viewpoints or possible conclusions are mentioned. This shows less bias and more objectivity. Does the headline match the article? Are quotes related to the information?
6. Is anything missing in the information? If it seems that important information is missing from the story or the story is not clear or easily understood, do more digging and learn more about the story. If some information is missing, but the story explains why, it still might be ok.
7. Should you be more aware of what is in the news? If you knew more about what is happening in the world, would it improve your ability to evaluate information? Don't just read sources that match what you already think or believe. Check news sites that you don't agree with to increase your knowledge and objectivity.
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-Employ a Healthy Dose of Skepticism -Dig Deep (Read Beyond Headlines) -Fact Check + Double Check -Examine your own Response -Consider the Source (CRAAP TEST) |
Evaluate internet site activity
Name: ___________________________________ Date: ______________
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Website: http://www.forces.org/Scientific_Portal/category/37-The+Cost+of+Non+Smokers+to+Society.html
What is the topic of this page?
Could you use this website for an academic assignment? Yes No
Provide four pieces of evidence you used to make this decision: 1.
2.
3.
4.
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Website: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/back-to-school-vaccinations-and-immunizations/
What is the topic of this page?
Could you use this website for an academic assignment? Yes No
Provide four pieces of evidence you used to make this decision: 1.
2.
3.
4.
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