R. A. V. E. N. Testing the credibility of the source
BEFORE YOU USE A SOURCE What information do you need to know about that source to know if it is credible? Credible: worthy of belief or confidence, trustworthy What should you do if it is not credible?
RAVEN test R- Reputation A- Ability to See V- Vested Interest E- Expertise N- Neutrality Write these down but leave space to explain each part.
R - Reputation: a favorable and publicly recognized name or standing for merit, achievement, reliability, etc. What sources have a good reputation? What sources have a bad reputation?
Which is good, which is no good? A famous monkee expert talking about monkeys Someone on the internet who loves monkeys talking about monkeys.
A - Ability to See whether the source is in a position to know what they are talking about. If they don't have access to the evidence then the value of their testimony is going to be limited. What can affect the sources’ ability to see?
Which is good, which is no good? A reporter outside the building where the speech being given A reporter watching the speech.
V- Vested Interest Invested: To give, use, or devote, time/money or other to achieve a goal. Why is this person sharing this information?
Which is good, which is no good An oil company publishing a study that suggests using more oil. A university researcher publishing a study that suggests using more oil.
E - Expertise: Expert skill or knowledge; expertness Does the source have background in this area? How does a source become expert?
Which is good, which is no good? A university professor talking about new clothing trends for winter. A magazine on fashion talking about new trends for winter.
N - Neutrality Neutral: not aligned with or supporting any side or position in a controversy Does the source have a bias or slanted view? How can you tell if the source is neutral?
Which is good, which is no good? A lawyer arguing that his client is innocent A jury member arguing that the client is innocent jury: the group of citizens who listens to case and decides innocent or guilty in court.
