BK Writing Lab

 

With the abundance of information available to us today, it is important that we develop skills to judge whether the information we find is credible.

One common approach to judging the credibility of a source is the acronym R-A-V-E-N.

 

Reputation: Does the source have a reliable and trustworthy reputation?

Ability to Observe: Is the source in a position to observe or assess the situation?

Vested Interest: Does the source have anything to gain by publishing information?

Expertise: Does the source have sufficient expertise (if necessary)?

Neutrality: Even if the source does not have a vested interest in the information, is there any other reason why the source might favor one particular perspective?

 

Another approach is the P-A-A-R-C method. 

Purpose: Why is this information offered?

Authority: Is the information coming from a knowledgeable and trustworthy source?

Accuracy: Is the information correct, reliable, and truthful?

Relevance: Can I use this information as part of my own work?

Currency: Is the information current and up-to-date?

 

If you have any questions, send us an email at bkwritinglab@bishopkennyhs.org!

 

Image Credit: Credibility by Eucalyp from the Noun Project