What is the SIFT Method? The SIFT Method, developed by Mike Caulfield (2019), a research scientist at the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public, provides a heuristic for engaging in information evaluation. SIFT stands for: Related Concepts Authority & Credibility – How to Be Credible & Authoritative in Research, Speech & Writing; Citation ...
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 ...
What is Information Ethics? Information ethics involves the moral, legal, and cultural questions related to the creation, distribution, and use of information. Understanding these issues is crucial for anyone who interacts with information—whether as a student, professional writer, or creative artist. Consider a student using an AI writing assistant for an essay or a company ...
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 ...
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 . ...
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 ...
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. Here’s an overview of these various 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
