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Access to information 24/7/365 is a double-edged sword. You can find out whatever you want whenever you want, but you also have a clamor of opinions presenting themselves as facts. Data doesn’t lie, but it can be manipulated to reinforce whatever cause a person or group is promoting. How do you sift through all the noise of both too much and conflicting information to find the truth?
Credibility
Look for reputable and authoritative information outlets. For example, academic journals, long-term experts in the field, or news outlets who have won awards for investigative reporting. Assess your source’s credentials. Do they have a history of accuracy and unbiased reporting? Cross-reference information from different sources with varying points of view to get as close to a 360 degree understanding of the topic as possible. For example, look for at least three sources that agree on the problem to be solved and each one offers a different solution. Be mindful of potential biases in the information offered. What is your source’s motivation for delivering this data to the world? Consider the perspectives, motivations, and potential conflicts of interest of your source. For example, is a tobacco company paying for the study whose data alleges smoking cigarettes is good for your health? Examine your source’s claims with a critical mind. Does it pass the logic test? Does the conclusion they reached seem reasonable or do they state unsupported theories as facts?
Context
Examine information through the filter of your specific question. Some information may be accurate but does not directly apply to your situation. For example, COVID-19 changed everything. If the research is from 2019, is it still relevant today? Apply critical thinking to the evidence and supporting data for each piece of information you find. For example, are results of a study easily verifiable? Is empirical evidence, or other well-conducted research easily accessible? Look for specific statistics, experiments, or studies that both support and counter the claims being made. Look for the section of the study that states the who, what, when, where, and how it was conducted. Assess the methodology, sample size, and potential limitations of the research. If the information is based on scientific research, has it undergone rigorous peer review? Typically, peer-reviewed studies are scrutinized by independent experts which increases their reliability.
Consistency
Look for patterns and similarities in the information from diverse sources. If multiple reliable sources consistently come up with similar facts or conclusions, odds are the information is accurate. For example, is there consensus among a majority of subject matter experts? Engage your inner skeptic. Question the information. Look for alternative explanations or counterarguments. Be aware of logic traps, implicit bias, or propaganda techniques that can distort truth.
Uncovering truth is an ongoing evaluation and an iterative process. It requires humility and willingness to rethink when new and often contradictory information emerges. If you stay curious, seek diverse perspectives, and remain open-minded to continuously reassess your conclusions, you may be surprised at how often you discover the truth.
What decision-making criteria do you use to navigate conflicting information to arrive at a reliable understanding of the truth? Please share in the comments.