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Information literacy graphic

Information Literacy is a vital part of any research project. You must critically evaluate your sources and, almost, "research your research." It's really easy to get caught up in all of the "fake news" that's floating around. See below for how to make sure you're getting the best information possible. 

Be a Responsible Researcher

​When conducting research, you have the power to determine real from fake. 

*Be skeptical of any news that comes to you through social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, and web searches. Social media algorithms work to present the news that reinforces your current views, not a balanced view. To echo, not inform.

*Independently verify the source (by performing a separate search) and independently verify the information (through more mainstream news sources or fact-checking sites).

*Select news sources known for high-quality, investigative reporting. Search these sources directly. Don't settle for web search results or social media news feeds.

Fake USA Today

Fake BBC News Twitter

Fake!  No blue checkmark, indicating a verified account. And take a look at the handle...what is that extra I doing there?

Real BBC News Twitter

Real! Note the blue verified checkmark and the correct handle, sans superfluous letters

Employ Critical Thinking Skills

Sometimes it's really easy to spot a fake news story. Sometimes it's a little more complicated.

Bat child tabloid

It's pretty safe to say that this one *probably* isn't real. But what about the articles that aren't quite so obvious? For those, we employ the CRAAP test. 

Is it CRAAP?

Check all of your sources for the following:

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