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Source Evaluation: SIFT

Learn about the evaluation tool SIFT (Stop, Investigate, Find, Trace) and how to apply it to various forms of information.

Visual Sources

Visual sources convey information through visual representation rather than only text. They are valuable because they simplify complex concepts, enhance memory retention, and engage viewers more effectively. Visuals sources can also provide cultural, historical, and real-time insights that written sources may not fully capture, and they can make data easier to interpret through clear organized representations. By using visual sources, researchers can gain a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of a topic, while also appealing to different learning styles and improving communication of key messages.  There are a few different sources that fit in this category: 

  • Photographs
  • Infographics
  • Videos and Documentaries
  • Maps
  • Charts and Graphs
  • Artworks and Illustrations
  • Diagrams and Schematics

While there are many types of visual sources the following information can be generally applied to each. 

  • Citation Information 
    • Title
    • Creator
    • Publisher
    • Date of creation
    • Medium or creation method 
    • Access Point (for online retrieval) 
  • Copyright and use restrictions 
  • Aspects
    • Visual Elements (Basic Building Blocks): The different colors, shapes, sizes, or textures can help create emphasis or meaning and guide the viewer's attention.
    • Composition: The arrangement of visual elements within a frame or design influences how the viewer perceives and interprets the information. Grouping related items together establishes a relationship between them and proper alignment of elements creates order and organization, making them more comprehensible.
    • Typography (in visual sources with text): Word choice and font style affects the tone of the message, whether formal, playful, modern, etc.
    • Motion (in video and animation): Dynamic visuals or animations guide the flow of information, adding engagement or emphasizing key messages.
  • References - previous research the creator used (may not be present) 

Stop: 

  • Is this something you were searching for?  Look for any accompanying text, many visual sources will be paired with a description or caption. 
  • Does the visual elements and composition fit your needs? Look at medium, color, size and copyright or use restrictions. 
  • What is your emotional reaction to the sources? Be cautious with any visual source that provokes a strong response. 

Investigate: 

  • Who is the creator(s) and can you find/prove their existence and/or credentials? You may need to do a reverse image search if you do not have the creator(s) name.  
  • Where did you encounter the source? What is their reputation?  Are they known for being credible? 
  • How was the sources funded? This could indicate bias as well as the source's purpose. Example: Advertisements.
  • Am I comfortable citing and having this source attached to my credibility/reputation?

Read the source: Check out the "Reading Visual Sources" tab for more information on this.

Find: 

  • Are there other proven credible sources sharing or discussing this visual source?
  • Are there similar sources being shared or discussed? 
  • Is there a consensus, disagreement or new view points about the source? 

Trace: 

  • Can you trace any original data or images? A reverse image search may help with this. 
  • Can you duplicate the process with the information provided? This may indicate the use of AI.  
  • Does the data support the message in the sources? 

While the process of reading visual sources is different from other source types, there are some similarities. Like news sources, visual sources should be viewed in their entirety, but can be piecemealed like books & scholarly articles. 

What is your research question? 

When you select a visual source to read/analyze , focus on your topic. Look for information that meets your requirements. Such as: medium, color, size and copyright or use restrictions

Read any accompanying description first.  

Questions to consider: 

  • What is this source about? Does the text match the visual message? 
  • Is this related to my question or area of research?
  • What do we already know about this topic?

The next steps can be done in any order. 

Content analysis  

Questions to consider: 

  • What is the position or placement of the content? People, things, or shapes.
  • Can any of the content be looked at in different ways? 
  • What message is being conveyed? 
  • How effective is the source at conveying the message?  

Contextual analysis. 

Questions to consider:

  • How does the accompanying text effect the source's message?  Does it provide factual information or influence the message?
  • What kind of context does the information provide?
  • Why was the text included with the visual aspects? 

Visual Analysis

 Questions to consider: 

  • What is the composition? Look at what is in the background and foreground. 
  • What are the most important visual elements? Why?
  • Can any of the images be looked at in different ways? 
  • Is there meaning in the design choice?  Colors and shapes provide meaning. 

Finally. review any references: 

  • What conclusions do you formulate from/about this source?
  • What other sources should I read?
  • What other research should I explore?

Acknowledgements and resources for more information: