ENG 111 & 112 Course Playbook

Five Easy Steps to Fact Checking

Check Credentials

Who are the authors of the materials? What are their credentials? Are they qualified to discuss the
topic? Make sure that the authors of the information have the necessary credentials and authority to
discuss the topic, especially when using materials from the Web. For quality information, use materials
written by experts in the field.

Check for Bias

Is the information skewed? Does it present one single ideology o point of view without considering or
discussing opposing viewpoints? Bias happens and it is not necessarily wrong, but in order to get the
whole picture, it's important to consider all sides of an issue, especially before making a decision.

Check Accuracy

Can facts and statistics be verified? Always make sure that any facts or numbers/statistics are actually
accurate. Verify these with other sources, especially expert or unbiased sources (such as statistical
databases or government reports). Do not the information at face value without analyzing it for
accuracy.

Check the Sources

Where does the information come from? Are there sources listed or named? Verify that those sources
exist and that they have actually provided the information. Check the sources for authority and
credentials and verify that they are unbiased. Read more and varied sources about the topic and
compare the quality of information with the source you are analyzing.

Check for Loaded Words

Does the information contain "loaded" words, also known as "weasel" words? Loaded language seeks to
influence or sway by taking advantage of emotional responses to certain words and stereotypes. The
best sources of information offer just facts and data and allow readers to make up their own minds.
Remember: Be skeptical and verify information before trusting it.