Subject guides: Evaluating Sources: Tools to Help you Evaluate

Fact-Checking Websites

Fact-checking websites help check if information is true, especially for news, controversial topics, or surprising claims. Experts review statements, check evidence, and explain the facts.

Here are some popular fact-checking resources:

	AP Factcheck: The Australian Associated Press (AAP) checks if statements by public figures are true. They also review claims from news and social media.
	Snopes: Known for debunking myths, rumours, and urban legends, Snopes is a great resource for separating truth from fiction.
	Reuters Fact Check: Focused on verifying news and social media claims, Reuters offers a global perspective.
	PolitiFact (US): A Pulitzer Prize-winning website that rates the truthfulness of statements by politicians and public figures on its “Truth-O-Meter.

How to Use Fact-Checking Websites Effectively

Verify Specific Claims: If you come across a statistic, quote, or “breaking news” story that seems questionable, enter the key details into a fact-checking website to see if it has been investigated.
Check Multiple Sources: Use more than one fact-checking site to ensure accuracy and avoid relying on a single perspective.
Evaluate the Source of the Claim: Fact-checking sites often link to original sources or provide additional context which will help you assess credibility.

Using Search Filters and Advanced Search

Search filters and advanced search features help you find relevant materials faster and improve research quality. They narrow your results, cutting out unnecessary or unrelated sources, and are built into most library databases and search tools.

Here are some useful advanced search filters to refine your research:

	Peer-Reviewed: Limit results to scholarly articles reviewed by experts.
	Publication Date: Narrow results to recent studies or a specific time period.
	Location/Region: Focus on studies or data from a particular country or area.
	Study Type: Filter by research type (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, case study, or systematic review).
	Database-Specific Options: Use filters unique to certain platforms, such as methodology or sample size in health databases.

These filters help pinpoint the most relevant resources for your research needs.

For more search techniques and information have a look at the Finding Information Sources Guide.

Journal Impact and Metrics

Understanding journal impact and metrics can help you assess the quality and relevance of a research article.

These tools can guide you to reliable sources that carry academic weight and influence in your field.

Journal metrics measure the impact and credibility of journals based on factors like citations and online engagement. High-impact journals are often considered more authoritative and contain research that is widely recognised.