What are some critical thinking frameworks used in media?

1 SIFT Method

One of the simplest and most effective critical thinking frameworks for media is the SIFT method, developed by Mike Caulfield, a digital literacy expert. SIFT stands for Stop, Investigate, Find, and Trace. The idea is to apply these four steps whenever you encounter a media source that you are not familiar with or that makes a claim that you want to verify. First, you stop and pause your emotional reaction, and ask yourself if you know the source and its reputation. Second, you investigate the source by looking for its credentials, affiliations, and agenda. Third, you find other sources that support or contradict the claim, and compare them for quality and reliability. Fourth, you trace the claim back to its original source, and check if it has been distorted or taken out of context along the way. By using the SIFT method, you can avoid falling for misinformation, propaganda, or clickbait, and develop a habit of critical thinking in media consumption.

2 RAVEN Criteria

Another useful critical thinking framework for media is the RAVEN criteria, created by Linda Elder and Richard Paul, two prominent scholars in critical thinking. RAVEN stands for Reputation, Ability to see, Vested interest, Expertise, and Neutrality. The idea is to use these five criteria to evaluate the credibility and objectivity of a media source or author. First, you consider the reputation of the source or author, and whether they have a history of accuracy, honesty, and integrity. Second, you assess the ability to see of the source or author, and whether they have access to relevant and reliable information, and can interpret it correctly. Third, you examine the vested interest of the source or author, and whether they have any personal, professional, or ideological motives that might influence their perspective or agenda. Fourth, you judge the expertise of the source or author, and whether they have the qualifications, experience, and knowledge to speak on the topic. Fifth, you evaluate the neutrality of the source or author, and whether they present a balanced and fair view of the issue, or show any signs of bias, prejudice, or distortion. By using the RAVEN criteria, you can improve your media literacy and critical thinking skills, and make informed and rational decisions based on media information.

3 TILT Framework

A third critical thinking framework for media is the TILT framework, developed by Renee Hobbs, a media education expert. TILT stands for Truthfulness, Influence, Language, and Tone. The idea is to use these four elements to analyze the message and the purpose of a media source or author. First, you determine the truthfulness of the source or author, and whether they provide facts, opinions, or both, and how they verify and cite their sources. Second, you explore the influence of the source or author, and whether they aim to inform, persuade, entertain, or educate their audience, and what techniques they use to achieve their goals. Third, you examine the language of the source or author, and whether they use clear, precise, and appropriate words, or vague, ambiguous, and emotive words, and how they affect the meaning and tone of the message. Fourth, you assess the tone of the source or author, and whether they express a positive, negative, or neutral attitude towards the topic, and how they convey their emotions and values. By using the TILT framework, you can enhance your media communication and critical thinking skills, and understand the message and the purpose of different media sources and authors.