Evaluating Sources: Mnemonics to SIFT Information

Common Evaluation Mnemonics

SIFT - RADAR - RAVEN - CCRRAAPP

Current studies point out that sometimes these "check lists" don't flag hoax and scam sites that carefully follow evaluation criteria. 

These days, if it "quacks like a duck" you still don't know what it is. 

Now that so much science "fiction" has become fact, and artificial Intelligence is learning human logical weaknesses, it is harder to catch the hoaxes, scams and subtle propaganda. 

That is why "Lateral" research has become more important.  

• Don't take a website publisher's word for how great they are
• Check internet chatter and other websites for reviews. 

 The more red flags, the more cautious you should be:

Self-praising: If the only reviews (or only positive reviews) are on their website.

Reputation: Bad if most of the reviews on review websites are complaints.

Messy: Lots of click bait, advertisements, and glurge.

New sites, or sites associated with a lot of similar names. 

R is for RATIONALE: the reason it exists.  This will also let you know what the content BIAS is.

A is for AUTHORITY: is the author an EXPERT? Who says?

D is for DATE: is it CURRENT information? Some theories change within days.

A is for ACCURACY of information: is the information you are receiving COMPLETE and IN CONTEXT, or cherry-picked and deceiving?

R is for RELEVANT: if it isn't useful for your goal, don't waste your time by reading.

If information doesn't pass a RADAR test, it is probably not worth your time.  

R – Reputation
A – Ability to observe
V – Vested interest
E – Expertise
N – Neutrality

C - urrent 
C ivil - polite discourse
R - elevant 
R efindable (with proper citation)
A - uthoritative
A- ccurate
P- urpose - without malice?
P- oint of view - taking potential biases into account?