POLT 403 - US in World Affairs (UNH Manchester): In Class Activity

Divide into two groups. Each group will be assigned an article to evaluate.

1. Questions to consider when selecting sources:

• What ethos does this source/author have?
• What perspective or viewpoint does this source represent? Does it provide a different voice than other sources I have found?
• What evidence is provided that supports my claim? Is this evidence convincing?

In order to best answer the above questions, you’ll need to analyze and evaluate each source. We will discuss a framework that you can use to evaluate your sources. Use the SIFT test to evaluate sources.

2. When you are ready, ask yourself:

• What/who is the source/website?
• Is it a source/website I am familiar with?
• If not, what information do I need to help me analyze the information or claim and evaluate the credibility of this source?
• Google can help you answer these questions. Read laterally to learn more.

3. How to read laterally:

1. Open up a tab next to your original webpage.
2. Google the website, author’s, or organization’s name and read what other websites not affiliated with the original source have to say. This can give you insight into the source and its reputation on the web.
3. Look at a few sources to confirm (use more tabs to really maximize that lateral comparison).

4. During your lateral reading, you will gain insight and information into the original source. You will use that insight to determine whether the original source has merit and is appropriate for your research purpose.  Here are two specific elements that you can look for to help make that determination.

1. Authority or ethos of the source or individual author: What expertise, credentials, work experience, life experience, or other significant subject knowledge does this person or organization possess that qualifies them to provide credible information?
2. Bias of the source or the content of the information: Is there a known bias, political leaning, or social agenda related to the source? Lateral reading is especially helpful for uncovering bias since most sources will not openly detail this on their website.

5. Source Evaluation Key Takeaways

• Stop
• Investigate the source.  Read laterally to find:
  • Authority and ethos
  • Bias
• Find other coverage and trace claims back to the original source
  • Credibility of claims (use references/citations if possible)
  • Consult websites but take note of the domain ending.
  • Date of information

6. Putting it all together. Consider:

• What ethos does this source/author have? Additionally, what ethos do you want to have as a creator of information?
• What perspective or viewpoint does this source represent? Does it provide a different voice than other sources I have found?
• What evidence is provided that supports my claim? Is this evidence convincing?
• Most importantly, why are you choosing THIS particular source?