Websites & Evaluating Sources - English 110 - Lukomski - Research Guides at Santa Barbara City College

Finding Credible Web Sources

Google Advanced Search
You can use Google Advanced Search to find credible internet sources by limiting search results.
- Choose a domain, like .edu, .gov, or .org, to filter out .com information.
- Explore limiting file type to .pdf to find documents that may have been professionally edited.

SIFT & PICK Fact Checking & Source Evaluation
A printable version of the SIFT & PICK approach to evaluating sources using lateral reading (SIFT) to fact check a source and vertical reading (PICK) to decide whether it is the best source for your needs.

Finding Credible Web Sources
Our Finding Credible Web Sources guide has more tips on searching the Internet.

Journalistic Standards

The Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook University uses the acronym V.I.A. to describe the characteristics shared by trustworthy media outlets:

Verification
- Uses evidence from multiple credible sources to demonstrate the accuracy or truth of claims
Independence
- Is free from outside control or influence
- Makes conscious effort to set aside preexisting beliefs
- Uses checks and balances
Accountability
- Takes responsibility for work
- Acknowledges mistakes and makes corrections

Evaluating Sources

The following video describes how to evaluate sources using five criteria: authority, accuracy, currency, relevance, and objectivity (from off campus you will need to log in using your Pipeline username and password):

English 110 - Lukomski: Websites & Evaluating Sources

Finding Credible Web Sources

Journalistic Standards

Evaluating Sources