When you are solving problems, you need to use reliable and relevant sources of information. However, not all sources are equally objective, and some may have biases, errors, or hidden agendas that can affect your critical thinking. How can you evaluate the objectivity of sources when solving problems? Here are some tips to help you.
The first step is to check the credibility of the source. This means looking at the author, the publisher, the date, and the references of the source. You want to make sure that the source is written by an expert, published by a reputable organization, updated regularly, and supported by evidence. You can also look for credentials, qualifications, affiliations, and reviews of the source to verify its credibility.
The second step is to analyze the purpose of the source. This means looking at the tone, the language, the audience, and the message of the source. You want to make sure that the source is not trying to persuade, manipulate, or misinform you. You can also look for signs of bias, such as emotional appeals, logical fallacies, stereotypes, or omissions of information.
When I assess tone, I consider whether it's formal or conversational, which helps me gauge the intended audience. Language loaded with jargon could be a tactic to impress or overwhelm. I would question the source's intent. I pay attention to who the message is crafted for: is it aiming at industry insiders or those new to the subject? Understanding the target audience offers insights into the source's objectives. The core message is pivotal. Is it informative, or does it steer toward persuasion? It's essential for me to identify any attempts to influence. I've learned to look out for what's unsaid just as much as what is. Omissions can be as telling as what's explicitly stated.
The third step is to compare and contrast the source with other sources. This means looking at the consistency, the accuracy, the completeness, and the relevance of the source. You want to make sure that the source is not contradicting, exaggerating, or ignoring other sources. You can also look for similarities and differences, agreements and disagreements, and strengths and weaknesses of the source.
The fourth step is to apply the CRAAP test to the source. This set of criteria can help you evaluate the objectivity of sources and determine its value. Ask yourself questions such as whether the source is current and timely, relevant and useful, authoritative and credible, accurate and verifiable, and purposeful and objective for your problem. If so, you can score the source on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being very good. Applying the CRAAP test can help you gain valuable insights into the source's quality.
The fifth step is to use your judgment to decide whether to use the source or not. This means looking at the overall quality, reliability, and validity of the source. You want to make sure that the source is not misleading, inaccurate, or irrelevant for your problem. You can also look at your own assumptions, perspectives, and biases that may affect your evaluation of the source.
The sixth step is to seek feedback from others about the source. This means looking for different opinions, perspectives, and experiences that may challenge or confirm your evaluation of the source. You want to make sure that you are open-minded, respectful, and curious about other views. You can also look for experts, peers, or mentors who can offer you constructive criticism, advice, or guidance on the source.