The 5 Ws
The 5 Ws is meant to be an easy way to remember what elements to assess when evaluating a source. It is not a checklist. The other methods listed on this page, the SIFT Method and Lateral Reading, can be used in conjunction with the 5 Ws to thoroughly evaluate a source.
The SIFT Method & Lateral Reading
- Detect DeepFakes: How to counteract misinformation created by AILists elements to look for and links to examples.
- How to avoid falling for misinformation, AI images on social mediaBasic tools for evaluating information and images.
- Infodemic: Sifting Through the Coronavirus PandemicLearn the skills that will make a dramatic difference in your ability to sort fact from fiction on the web (and everything in between). Created by
Mike Caulfield, a digital information literacy expert working at Washington State University Vancouver. - Reverse Image SearchSearch using an image with Google Image Search.
- Rumor GuardWalks through fact checking viral rumors to help you develop the skills to evaluate sources for authenticity.
- What are deepfakes? How they work and how to spot themSigns to help identify deepfakes from Norton, a company known for antivirus software.
Lateral Reading
Lateral reading is a method of investigating the source. It means that you don't rely only on the source you're evaluating, but branch out to use other resources like Wikipedia or using a search engine to find more information on the source itself.
The videos below demonstrate lateral reading.