The Informed Student

Evaluation Concepts

• Evaluate the author/source
• Upstreaming - who/what is being referenced in the source? Investigate these references.
• Lateral searching - can the information be replicated?
• Consider your psychological/emotional reaction to the information. Is this persuading you?
• What is left out of the argument? Who benefits and who is harmed by the information?
• "Look for the helpers..." (Mr. Rogers Quote - ha!) such as:  journalists, librarians, experts on topic - professors, scientists, researchers, etc.

Perspectives and Political Leanings of Sources

"The AllSides Media Bias Chart helps you to identify different perspectives and political leanings in the news so you can get the full picture and think for yourself."  (AllSides website description)

Did you know you have access?

Check out these two streaming subscription services that Butler Libraries subscribes to for feature films and motion pictures.