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Film: Introduction to Research

Use this guide to explore research strategies and resources for Film majors.

The ACT UP Method

The ACTUP Method Evaluation challenges students to analyze information sources based on not only the author or publication date, but also on if the information is biased or comes from a place of privilege. 

Considering biases and privilege is important because we should consider what voices are being left out, or if there is another perspective on the topic that can offer a different insight. 

Use this breakdown of the ACTUP Method to evaluate different elements of information resources. 

A - Author. Who wrote the resource? Who are they? Background information matters. 

C - Currency. When was the resource written? When was it published? Does this resource fit into the currency of your topic? 

T - Truth. How accurate is this information? Can you verify any of the claims in other sources? Are there typos and spelling mistakes? 

U - Unbiased. Is the information presented to sway the audience to a particular point of view? Resources, unless otherwise stated, should be impartial. 

P - Privilege. Check the privilege of the author(s). Are they the only people who might write or publish on this topic? Who is missing in this conversation? Critically evaluate the subject terms associated with each resource you found. How are they described? What are they inherent biases?

Understanding Information Privilege

When it comes to understanding information, not everyone has equal footing. Information privilege happens when one group of people has better access to the skills, tools, and education needed for information navigation over another. Understanding how access to information can cause privileges and imbalances is important to knowing how information is disseminated and how misinformation spreads. 

Some examples of information privilege can include: 

  • Easily being able to access a library, whether that be based on location or transportation. 
  • Having access to information at home, such as a stable internet connection. 
  • Having access to information through school that would normally have substantial costs. 
  • Being represented through information consistently in a way that doesn't diminish your identity, or identities, to stereotypes, or uses negative language.