Research Guides: Town Hall Research Guide: Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Websites

Researchers generally use websites in two ways:

Research artifact -- Something you're writing about or using as an example. Any website can be used.
Research source -- Primary or secondary sources that support or anchor your claims. Use only trustworthy, authoritative sites.

Your argument is only as credible as your sources.

Introducing SIFT
A printable handout from SU libraries about Mike Caulfield's SIFT strategy for verifying news
Consider the Source (handout)
A printable handout from SU Libraries with questions to consider about sources for research projects

Fact-Checking Sites

FactCheck.org
a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics.
Media Bias / Fact Check
Search the name or URL of a new source to read an assessment of how biased it is.
PolitiFact
funded by the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, the site uses the Truth-O-Meter to gauge the veracity of claims
Fair.org
A national media watch group, offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship.

Search smarter with Google Advanced Search

Google Advanced Search

Websites ending with .gov, .org, or .edu are generally not trying to sell you anything, and often provide better information. When you search Google, type one of these into the search field with your keywords:

site:.edu
site:.gov
site:.org

A Word About Search Engines

Search engine creators, like Google, are businesses whose purpose is to turn a profit, not help you find information. Using several different search engines when seeking information is good practice, don't become loyal to just one. In addition, consider using search engines that are uncensored and anonymous, such as, DuckDuckGo or GIBIRU.