Do you R.A.V.E.N.?

One of the most valuable lessons I learned in high school is how to R.A.V.E.N. This acronym can be applied to many different parts of life. From some juicy gossip to your local representative, when you hear a piece of information you should always question your source.

Firstly, what is a source?

A source can be anyone. A person on the street can offer a testimony that can be as insightful as any expert, but what does matter is what they are giving their input on. Asking a random person on the street about a new pedestrian safety initiative can be just as important as talking to a city council member. When it comes to written information, it is important to look at the author as a source, as well as any of their cited persons as sources of information

R — Reputation

Let’s say you’re presented with a news article. Perhaps from the New York Times or Washington Post. You trust these publications because they are widely respected, whereas if you read a blog post on a random website, the information you would be receiving is not as trustworthy. Next look at who authored the article. It doesn’t hurt to do a little searching into their past and experience, especially if you come to find out that the author has been called out for exaggeration in the past. Another important detail to look into is their expertise. When it comes to reading about what is going to happen now that the United Kingdom has left the European Union, I want to hear from an expert in politics or economics.

A — Ability To See

Now can your source see the big picture? When presenting information, knowing the different sides to a problem, or the scope of the story is important. Also when someone acknowledges the flaws in their argument, as well as having an understanding of the opposition, this show an ability to see the scope of the problem. Presenting only one perspective of an issue creates a skewed image of the problem to the reader. As seekers of information, we are rarely presented with all the facts, but instead shown what the author wants us to see, usually in order to push an agenda or opinion. A great example of this is Katie Couric’s recent gun documentary where editing created a deception to the audience, which was caught, but was intended to tell a different story than actually occurred.

V — Vested Interest

Whether its money, power, influence, really anything can be a reward for saying something or pushing an idea. Personal interests will, sadly, always outweigh the whole bettering society. If a congress member pushes for a bill on oil in an interview, then they will most definitely benefit from the passing of the legislation in some way.

E — Evidence

This one is pretty easy. Is there evidence supporting their position? Is the evidence actually true? Statistics are easily accepted, citing a study allows information to be taken as trustworthy, but do a little searching. Find the study that the person cites. Who funded the study? The Food and Drug Administration or Monsanto? Question everything! Data can be manipulated to say whatever someone wants it to say.

N — Neutrality

Let me say two words and what pops to your head…Fox News. Everyone knows this news network pushes the conservative political agenda. On the other hand, many Whitman students sit on the left side of the spectrum. It is really hard to stay neutral on a subject if you are passionate about it. A Republican or Democrat politician, are expected by their label to support certain sides and not to stray. Experts are highly experienced and educated, but that does not mean their opinion will not be interjected into the information they choose to give or not give.

Next time you are catching up on your news, R.A.V.E.N. it!