Fact vs. Fiction Guide
Information doesn’t just appear. It’s produced by someone, and for a purpose. It’s our responsibility to ensure we are taking the time to find and evaluate information on various platforms. The tips below will help you to determine whether what you are reading is fact or fiction. This begins with analyzing:
Is it recent?
Is it accurate?
Is it relevant?
Is it balanced or biased?
Why was this written?
Can you verify the information from another reliable source?
Who is the intended audience?
Is it reputable?
Have you used a variety of sources? How does this source compare?
Who is the author? What are their credentials and professional background?
Is the author presenting fact, or opinion?
Who might benefit from a reader believing this article?
How might the author’s perspective influence the information they are sharing?
Who is the publisher or sponsor? Are they reputable?
What is the intent of the source?
How does the purpose of the source relate to the topic being covered?
How did they produce the information?
Does it provide references for quotations and data?
Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors?
What advertisements appear throughout the source?
What is the domain?
Are the links functional?
What advertisements are popping up on the page?
