The SIFT Method

• #criticalthinking

A critical thinking exercise for helping to contextualize information we read online, to help avoid misinformation and clickbait, to ensure attention is applied to things that matter, and to help amplify the best sources of information and dialogue.

1. Stop: pause to see if you know the source and their agenda, expertise and reputation, and take a moment to remember your purpose in reading this information.
2. Investigate the source: knowing the expertise and agenda of the source helps to interpret the meaning or intent behind what they say.
3. Find better coverage: find other sources to establish whether this source supports the consensus or if it is in disagreement.
4. Trace claims, quotes, and media back to the original context: establish whether the version you saw was accurately presented. By going upstream to the original source, you may find that important information was removed or taken out of context, or that a claim was fabricated.