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RESEARCH GUIDES

JOUR 130: Self-Presentation in the Age of YouTube

Use this library research guide to find sources for your final presentation, paper, and social media video.

The SIFT Method

The letters SIFT with what each stands for underneath. S is for Stop, I is for Investigate the source, F is for Find better coverage, and T is for Trace claims, quotes and media to the original context

SIFT Method by Mike Caulfield (method and graphic), licensed CC BY 4.0

Stop

Pause to think about the source.

Investigate

Search for more information about the source and its creator. Think about:

  • Who is the creator of this source? How can we find more information about them?
  • Why might they have created this source?
  • Who is the audience they have in mind?
  • What are the goals of the platform on which the source appears?

Find other sources about your topic

What do other experts say about this topic? Do they agree or disagree? Are there other perspectives to consider?

Trace claims, quotes, and media to their original context

Is your source referencing or summarizing another source? Can you trace back to those sources?