In today's digital age where misinformation is rife, fact checking is an essential skill in ensuring the integrity and credibility of information. Sarah Morris, librarian and Sage Campus course instructor, recently offered a deep-dive into the world of fact checking in our recent webinar. Here are some of the key takeaways:
No Universal Solution
Fact checking can be simple or complex, depending on the situation. For instance, breaking news, contentious topics, unfamiliar sources, and high-stake projects require more in-depth fact checking. Critical thinking and reading skills are key here, so make sure to brush up on them before tackling your sources.
Embrace Lateral Reading
Don't rely on a single source. Leverage lateral reading by checking multiple sources and viewpoints. This helps to corroborate information ensuring its veracity and aids in capturing an accurate picture of the topic at hand.
Source Evaluation
Consider the credibility and appropriateness of sources. Check the purpose of a source, author’s credentials, and where the information is being shared. It’s also important to consider any possible biases that the author may have, as these may inform how they cover certain topics, or even which topics they choose to write about.
Fact Checking Techniques
There are many practical fact checking techniques that you may want to consider: checking a news outlet's track record, reverse image searching, using credible fact checking websites, using the SIFT method or the CRAAP test. In addition, to make learning fun and engaging, there are a variety of games to help you practice your fact checking skills such as Bad News, Go Viral! and many more.
Seek Help When Needed
If you’re still in doubt about the credibility of a source, don't hesitate to ask for help. Turn to colleagues, librarians, or professors when dealing with unfamiliar topics.
In a world where misinformation is rampant, Sarah's insights provide a valuable guide for everyone to navigate information efficiently and responsibly, ensuring the credibility and accuracy of the data we consume. If you’d like to learn even more about fact checking, check out the new Sage Campus course, developed by Sarah and featuring a mix of activities to help improve your fact checking skills.
Watch the full webinar