Utilizing SPCC databases is an efficient way to ensure you are using credible sources for your research assignments. However, if you decide to also use sources from the internet, using fact-checking sites and the APPLY method to determine the credibility of a source is highly recommended. With all the half-truths, false claims and downright lies that circulate the internet daily, arm yourself with the ability to pause, stop and check for accuracy. Fact-checking is more important than ever!
Use Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT to narrow or broaden your search results.
Factcheck is a nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. They monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases. Their goal is to apply the best practices of both journalism and scholarship, and to increase public knowledge and understanding.
When misinformation obscures the truth and readers don’t know what to trust, Snopes’ fact-checking and original, investigative reporting lights the way to evidence-based and contextualized analysis. Snopes always links to and documents sources so readers are empowered to do independent research and make up their own minds.
Hoax-Slayer debunks email and social media hoaxes, thwarts Internet scammers, combats spam, and educates web users about email, social media, and Internet security issues.
Nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit, the Center for Responsive Politics is the nation's premier research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy.
Fact-checking journalism is the heart of PolitiFact. Their core principles are independence, transparency, fairness, thorough reporting and clear writing. Their goal is to give citizens the information they need to govern themselves in a democracy.