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Lateral Reading is a technique used to evaluate if a source is legitimate; it helps save time otherwise wasted on reading unreliable sources. The process includes asking three questions about the webpage: Who is behind the information? What is the evidence of their claims? What do others say about them and their work?

Follow the steps below to read laterally:

1. Identity Test: Identity who the source really is
   1. Are they an organization? Who funds them?
   2. What’s the end goal? Do they personally benefit from persuasion?
2. Evidence Test: Identify how they support their claims
   1. Do they provide external evidence?
   2. Can you find the original source? Is it easy to do so?
3. Reputation Test: See what outsiders are saying about them
   1. Wikipedia can provide an overview

Hello, my name is Diamond Williams! Welcome to another Video Spotlight, a series in which I watch a UCF Libraries research video and provide a detailed summary for your convenience. If you would like to reach out, please email me: diamond.williams@ucf.edu // diamondw722@gmail.com

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