Evaluating Information
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This document introduces the PROMPT test for evaluating information. The PROMPT test examines the Presentation, Relevance, Objectivity, Method, Provenance, and Timeliness of information. It discusses assessing each element, such as considering the balance of evidence for objectivity and who produced the information and why for provenance. The document recommends using the PROMPT test's criteria to help determine how useful or credible a piece of information may be.
Evaluating Information
- 1. Finding and evaluating Information Nigel Gibson
- 2. How do I know that it’s useful? The world is full of information Some is good and valid Some is less credible It’s important to find ways of deciding which is which!
- 3. PROMPT One way to assess information is to apply the PROMPT test: Presentation Relevance Objectivity Method Provenance Timeliness
- 4. Presentation The way in which information is presented can have an effect on the way we receive and perceive it The old saying ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover’ Consider whether something is “all show, no go” Look beyond glossy presentation (and don’t discount something just because it looks tatty)
- 5. Relevance Relevance is an important aspect of information quality It might not relate to the quality of the information but rather whether it’s what you need You might consider Level – is it too detailed/specialised or too general/simple for what you need? Emphasis – it may not contain the kind of information you are seeking Geographic – it may relate to countries or areas you are not interested in at this time.
- 6. Objectivity Is the evidence balanced? Does it offer the pros and cons of a particular perspective? Will you need to find some balancing information
- 7. Method How was the information gathered? Is it clear how the information was gathered? Is “I asked a bloke in the pub” a valid data collection technique?
- 8. Provenance Who produced it and why? Is it clear who produced it – if not why not? Ask yourself “Why does the author want to tell me this?” It would be wrong to dismiss something because of who wrote it but you should consider whether they have a vested interest in a particular viewpoint This links with objectivity
- 9. Timeliness Is it current? Does it represent the latest information? Have things changed since it was produced?
- 10. Useful resource I’ve taken much of this from Safari ( http://www.open.ac.uk/safari/index.php ) Skills in accessing, finding and reviewing information An OU resource
- 11. Any questions?
- 12. Exercise We’re going to read the paper now!
- 13. Consider P – Presentation R – Relevance O – Objectivity M – Method P – Provenance T – Timeliness What is the medium? Who is it aimed at? How is it funded?