The Four Moves is a simple framework for evaluating the reliability of information you find online. Here’s how it works:
Check for previous work. Start by looking to see if anyone else has fact-checked the information you’re evaluating. Do a quick search to see if reputable sources have already investigated the topic and found it to be accurate.
Go upstream to the source. If you can’t find any existing fact-checks, try to trace the information back to its original source. Look for the primary source of the information, such as a government agency, a scientific study, or an original interview or statement.
Read laterally. Once you’ve found the source of the information, start looking for other sources that can either confirm or contradict it. Read articles and other sources from a variety of perspectives to get a more complete picture of the topic.
Circle back. After you’ve evaluated the information and checked your sources, make sure to go back and evaluate your own understanding of the topic. Double-check your assumptions and conclusions to make sure they’re supported by the evidence.
By following these four moves, you can get a better sense of whether the information you’re looking at is reliable, and you can avoid being misled by misinformation or false claims.