Welcome to Fact Checking (Advanced). These Simple Steps of Fact Checking can increase the accuracy of your research and improve your sense of awareness on the internet:

One of the methods of analyzing news sources and articles that have helped me dodge fake news as well as fact check my research is deploying the C.R.A.A.P Test to analyze news stories, posts, and websites. The criteria for the C.R.A.A.P test are as follows:

Currency

Who is the author/publisher/sponsor Currency: Was this article posted currently? Is this news story up to date? How recent is this post? When you click on an article on Facebook, you’ll find that it dates back to a few months or years ago, yet your “friends” are upset as if the controversial event mentioned in the article is occurring right now.

Accuracy

Is the information accurate? Is it backed by evidence? Is the author’s citation of reputable sources? Is the information verified elsewhere?

Relevance

Is the content relevant to your research requirements? This criterion may be particularly relevant if you are actively seeking information rather than just coming upon it. Is the information relevant to your inquiry and at the proper level (elementary/advanced)? Have you checked a variety of sources before settling on this one?

Purpose

What is the objective or goal behind this piece of news? To enrage? To issue a sense of urgency? To educate? To buy or sell? A simple reverse search for verification can give you enough information on the sources’ credibility and bias.

Authority

Who is the author/publisher/sponsor responsible for the news story? Do they have knowledge of the subject? Do they look like someone with a clear and concise plan?