Why do we need to evaluate the information we read?
We do this for a number of reasons. Not all information is reliable or true, and not all of it will be suitable for your project. Print and internet sources may vary widely in their authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency and coverage. Evaluating what you are reading is a good skill to have for school, and for use in your daily life.
One tool to help you evaluate resources is called CRAAP. CRAAP is an acronym that will help you remember what you should be looking for in your resources: Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.
Currency: When was the information last updated?
Relevancy: Is it actually related to your topic? Does it help answer your research questions?
Authority: Who is writing it and why should we listen to them?
Accuracy: Is it true, and how do we know it's true? (Check for citations and references!)
Purpose: Who is writing is and why? Who is paying for this to be written?
This infographic from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and Factcheck.org gives some tips for spotting fake news.
Fact Checking Sites
Luckily, there are many sites that can help you check the facts. These organizations are unbiased and non-partisan sources that help verify information.
Snopes is the internet's oldest and biggest independent fact-checking site, offering evidence-based information on everything from political sound bites to urban legends.
Emergent info is a rumour tracking site that focuses on how unverified information circulates online. Shows current online rumours, as well as their status (True, False, or Unverified).
Factcheck is a non-partisan consumer advocate site that monitors the factual accuracy of US politics, as well as current topics such as climate change.