Information Literacy

SIFT – Stop, Investigate Source, Find Better Coverage, Trace Claims

Related Concepts Authority & Credibility – How to Be Credible & Authoritative in Research, Speech & Writing; Citation Guide – Learn How to Cite Sources in Academic and Professional Writing; Research Deepfakes & Misinformation; The CRAAP Test –  Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose What is the SIFT Method? The SIFT Method, developed by Mike Caulfield (2019), a ...

a deep fake image of Putin speaking at the national mall in DC

Information Evaluation – How to Critically Evaluate Information

Information evaluation refers to the systematic process of assessing the credibility, relevance, and reliability of information sources. It is a critical skill for writers and researchers who must navigate an increasingly complex information landscape. In today’s world, misinformation spreads rapidly, not just through AI-generated content, but also via sophisticated disinformation campaigns orchestrated by state actors ...

Copyright – A Comprehensive Guide to U.S. Copyright Law

What is Copyright? In the United States, copyright law protects creators of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other intellectual works, against unlawful copying, distribution, performance, display, and derivatives (Copyright Act of 1976, 2001). In other words, when you compose any kind of work, whether it’s an alphabetical text or some ...

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Empathetic Information Literacy

What is Empathetic Information Literacy? Empathetic Information Literacy is a method of information literacy that consists of five moves: The goal of Empathetic Information Literacy is to better verify or “fact check” claims through attending not just to intellectual factors but also to affective factors—not just thoughts but also feelings. Writers, speakers, knowledge workers . ...

illustration of a student looking at phone during a test

Academic Integrity – What is Academic Dishonesty?

Academic dishonesty, often synonymous with cheating, encompasses various unethical behaviors in educational settings. This includes situations where individuals ask others to write part or all of a document on their behalf, as well as the misuse of technology like artificial intelligence tools. High schools and colleges in the United States have distinct policies for addressing ...

pic of police at accident scene gathering photographic evidence

Types of Evidence – How To Write and Speak Clearly & Persuasively

Related Concepts Concrete Language, Sensory Language; Exemplification What Are the Main Types of Evidence in Writing? Evidence can take many forms, including factual, primary, secondary/textual, expert testimony, anecdotal, statistical, analogical, logical, empirical, circumstantial, physical, photographic/video, audio, documentary, and opinion-based evidence. Each type serves different purposes and carries varying weight depending on the context and audience. ...

Trump's Anecdotes on Immigrants

Anecdote – Anecdotal Evidence

Here’s the revised essay with the requested changes: What is an Anecdote? An anecdote is a concise, often real-life story used to exemplify a broader concept or idea. It’s the narrative equivalent of a snapshot: quick, focused, and revealing. Rooted in the ancient art of storytelling, anecdotes serve as powerful narrative tools that can bring ...

image of a sinking ship at sunrise

Hypothetical Evidence – Hypothetical Reas

Hypothetical Evidence is a “for instance” for your reader—a potential instance or example that might illustrate your claim in action. Key Concepts Exemplification; Organization; Organizational Schema & Logical Reasoning A Hypothetical Example will often follow one of the following phrases or abbreviations: “for instance,” “for example,” “i.e.,” or “e.g.,” though the latter two, realize, will ...

image of Bodleian Library, Oxford University

Canon – Why is the Concept of the Canon So Important to Writers?

What is the Canon? The canon represents a curated collection of works deemed authoritative or exemplary within a specific discourse community, contributing to the ongoing conversation of humankind. These works, often marked by their innovative knowledge, distinctive style, or profound impact, serve not only as benchmarks for understanding the evolution and core principles of a ...

Illustration

Illustrations are Key Concepts: Text & Intertextuality; Design Caution: This is an article stub. Please check back in a bit. We hope to write this page soon. Still, if you have something to say, let us know.