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SIFT Method for Fact-Checking

Stop, Investigate source, Find better coverage, Trace claim to primary source. 30 sec exposes 90%.

10 min Intermediate

Goal

Fact-check any doubtful social claim with 4 quick steps.

Steps

1

S — Stop: don't share yet. Take a breath.

4 more steps locked

Expected Outcome

Immediate

You won't share false info in first week of practice.

Evidence base

School: Civic Online Reasoning / Information Literacy

Founders: Mike Caulfield · Sam Wineburg (2019)

Caulfield's SIFT (Washington 2019) builds on Sam Wineburg's Stanford research on Civic Online Reasoning comparing experts vs novices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does "SIFT Method for Fact-Checking" take?

This exercise takes about 10 minutes, practiced solo in a Behavioral format.

When will I notice the effect of "SIFT Method for Fact-Checking"?

You won't share false info in first week of practice. In the short term: You develop "nose" for misinfo signals (emotional language, weak source, biased framing).

Is "SIFT Method for Fact-Checking" evidence-based?

Yes — it draws on Civic Online Reasoning / Information Literacy (Mike Caulfield, Sam Wineburg (2019)). Caulfield's SIFT (Washington 2019) builds on Sam Wineburg's Stanford research on Civic Online Reasoning comparing experts vs novices.

Is "SIFT Method for Fact-Checking" suitable for beginners?

Its difficulty level is: Intermediate. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.

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