THE SITUATION

• There is an ever-increasing amount of information available to all of us through books, periodicals, television, online commercial databases, and the World Wide Web.
•  That information is provided by parties that have:
  • Varying degrees of expertise.
  • A wide range of goals (scientific, commercial, persuasive, entertainment, sometimes deception).
  • Varying abilities to successfully communicate the information.
  • Varying estimations of the capability of the market to understand and appreciate the information.

THE PROBLEMS

• Not all information is reliable.
  • The information may be the result of bad research.
  • The information may have errors because of erroneous entry.
  • The information may be misleading because the biases, desires, and/or goals of the party or parties providing the information.
• Not all sources are reliable.
  • Some sources do not follow proper scientific methodology when performing research.
  • Some sources may not have the skills, credentials, or authority to provide the information.
  • Some sources have an agenda. That is they may have a point of view that they want accepted, even though an honest evaluation of the information may deny that point of view.
  • Some sources are intentionally deceptive. Okay, some lie!

FOUR EXAMPLES

• Sonoran Institute: real or "sham" environmental organization?

  In the "Skinny" column of the 12-03-98 Tuscon Weekly, the Sonoran Institute was called a "sham environmental group called the Sonoran Institute, set up by ['legendary land speculator Don'] Diamond." This was part of an article that condemned Arizona's "Growing Smarter" initiative, which was supposed to control urban sprawl and protect ranchers and farmers. The article, though, states that, "Undoubtedly the state will soon be buying land from guys like Diamond at an overblown price. That's what we all expect to be the only option under consideration by this phony commission in the near future."

  On the other hand, the Sonoran Institute claims on its "About Sonoran Institute" that it, "works collaboratively with local people and interests to conserve and restore important natural landscapes in western North America, engaging partners such as landowners, public land managers, local leaders, community residents, and non governmental organizations. Community Stewardship is what we call our innovative approach to conservation."

  What is the truth? Who does the organization really serve? How do you determine whether the organization's stated goals are its real agenda? Would you believe what the organization has to say on environmental issues?

• The Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division (DMRD)

  According the the not-for-profit organization's FAQ, Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) "... is a constituent of many known toxic substances, diseases and disease-causing agents, environmental hazards and can even be lethal to humans in quantities as small as a thimbleful." The front page to the web site provides links to a number of web pages addressing all of the issues involved with the chemical, including special reports "... on the environment, cancer, current research."

  What is wrong with all of this? What is Dihydrogen Monoxide? Are we getting it in our body? Is it around us? How does it really impact all of us?

• Pacific Northwest tree octopus (Octopus paxarbolis)

  According to the web site, the endangered cephalopod is "found in the temperate rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula on the west coast of North America. Their habitat lies on the Eastern side of the Olympic mountain range, adjacent to Hood Canal." The web site appeals for help to save this unique Washington life form.

  Would you contribute to helping save the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus? Are you interested in doing field work to help ensure that their environments are preserved?

• Cold Fusion

  The claims of cold fusion were that a nuclear reaction, specifically the fusion of deuterium,could be initiated and sustained in a relatively simple electrochemical apparatus. In 1989, the US Department of Energy panel decided the researchers "do not present convincing evidence that useful sources of energy will result from the phenomena attributed to cold fusion." Nonetheless, there are still many researchers continuing to pursue to goal of unlimited energy through low-temperature fusion.

  Is cold fusion a real or possible technology? Could it eliminate the need for all the coal, oil, gas, and nuclear power plants in the world? Or are the researchers seeking the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

THE SOLUTIONS

• Applying the Scientific Method to Information Content
  • The Scientific Method is a simple strategy to ensure that what you think (such as a theory) is the same as the reality.
  • Most think this is primarily applied to natural phenomena, but the methodology can be applied to virtually any perceivable process, including such things as the dynamic interactions of political entities and conservation groups.
  • Steps in the Scientific Method
    • Devise a theory that is consistent with a phenomenon that you have observed.
    • Make predictions according to the the theory'.
    • Devise experiments or make additional observations to test those predictions.
    • Modify the theory in the light of successive results.
    • Redo as necessary to ensure the congruence of the theory and the reality.
• Understanding the difference between Primary and Secondary sources of information.
  • Primary sources are records of or research or events recorded by persons who either participated in or witnessed the research or events firsthand
    • Examples: Original research papers, records of research, dissertations, official documents, annual reports, notebooks, diaries, newspaper accounts, interviews, and letters.
  • Secondary sources are works that utilize, discuss, or investigate primary sources and those persons who were involved with the original research or events.
    • Examples: Articles and books that are not by the original researchers or persons involved with the events, the contents of encyclopedias,
• Applying Due Diligence to Information Sources
  • A wonderful term from the investment world, "due dilligence" generally means the formal and thorough application of assessment criteria to the evaluation of a company before considering or recommending investments in it.
  • For general research, there are a variety of similar strategies for formally and thoroughly evaluating information sources. One example is provided on the "QUESTIONS FOR EVALUATING INFORMATION & ITS SOURCES" web page.