In this assignment, you will practice using the Four Moves to evaluate sources.

Assignment Instructions

STEP 1: Imagine that you have been assigned a research essay on technology, and you have decided to write about how technology companies use knowledge of human psychology to design their products.

Watch Tristan Harris’s 2017 TED Talk, “How a handful of tech companies control billions of minds every day.” You can stop watching at minute thirteen, where his talk ends and a Q & A begins.

STEP 2: Next, evaluate this source using the “SIFT” acronym from the four moves:

1. STOP: Consider what biases you might bring to this topic, and in 3-6 sentences, reflect on how you can avoid acting on your biases when approaching this source.
2. INVESTIGATE: Find information about the author, publication, publication date, and genre of the source. Write about these findings in 3-6 sentences.
3. FIND BETTER COVERAGE: Find other comparable sources that are discussing this topic (1-3 sources). Post a link to each source, along with a 3-6 sentence discussion (per source) of how it compares with your original source.
4. TRACE CLAIMS: If possible, find the original source of any claims, quotes, or media. Paste links, and discuss any significant findings from this step.

STEP 3: After writing your answers, go find another source on this same topic, and evaluate this source in the same way you did the TED Talk (again with a minimum of three sentences per point). Keep in mind that you are not looking for a “perfect” source for this assignment. You are just showing that you understand each of the components of the Four Moves and can apply this method to any source.

STEP 4: Finally, reflect on your findings. In 3-5 sentences, discuss what the four moves showed you about the credibility, reliability, and relevance of your sources. Would it be appropriate to use in a research essay?

STEP 5: Submit a document that includes:

• Your SIFT analysis of Tristan Harris’ TED Talk
• Your SIFT analysis of your chosen source
• Your 3-5 sentence reflection on your experience implementing the four moves

Rubric