10 Steps to Evaluate Information for Making Effective Decisions
One of my college degrees is a BA in Psychology. At one time, I had an interest in becoming a clinical psychologist - that is, until I learned that it would be a terrible fit for me.
Today, I use little that I learned from working toward that degree other than some general, ancillary benefits I gleaned such as solid writing skills, analysis of behavior tendencies, and how to make well-informed, successful decisions.
It's this latter life skill, making decisions, that has stuck with me more than anything else I learned. I took a course titled "Effective Learning" and became so enamored with the content and the instructor that I went on to serve as a teaching assistant for him during the following two semesters.
This does not suggest I am some decision-making guru. But the principles I learned in that course have been helpful at certain junctures in my life.
The following items form a list of criteria I learned in the course on how to evaluate information to form an effective decision. Some of it is pretty straightforward and may seem like common sense, but then again - how often do we make decisions in such a clinical manner, no matter how much we may know it's the best way to do it?
This list is only a clip of all the great content I learned, so perhaps I'll follow up in future lists with more information.
1. Form a hypothesis.
A hypothesis is a statement (claim) of how two or more events or conditions may be related or affect one another. Example: Brushing one's teeth every day will lead to improved oral health and reduced tooth decay.
2. Collect data.
Data are the recorded observations and measurements collected in a research study that support or refute a hypothesis. Example: In a recent study on the effect of brushing teeth on oral health, scientists collected tooth decay data from 30 participants who brushed their teeth every day for 60 days.
3. Establish the credibility of the data source.
What is the expertise of the data source? Is there a conflict of interest between the individual making the hypothesis and the resulting data? Example: The latest study to conclude that brushing one's teeth every day improves oral health and reduces tooth decay was run by a group of oral scientists, but it was funded by a major corporation that stands to profit from increased sales of its new line of toothpaste products.
4. 4. Consider the use of established procedures.
Was the research study that published data independently corroborated? Example: An earlier study to conclude that brushing one's teeth every day improves oral health and reduces tooth decay was replicated by a separate group of scientists that came to the same conclusion.
5. Consider current facts.
A fact is information that we take to be true because it is widely accepted. Example: Most people who brush their teeth everyday seem to have little to no evidence of tooth decay.
6. Consider current opinions.
An opinion is a judgment made by an individual or group of individuals who interpret the data in terms of what makes personal sense. Example: One doesn't think the data is strong enough to suggest brushing one's teeth every day is worth the effort, and has never had any cavities before, so one believes it's a waste of time to brush one's teeth every day.
7. Consider values.
Values are ideas held by an individual or group of individuals about the way things ought to be. Example: An individual may value having strong, healthy teeth and gums.
8. Apply and observe the evidence.
In this step, the data is applied to confirm or reject the hypothesis. Example: One starts brushing one's teeth at least once per day, and after a set period of time visits a dentist for a tooth decay exam.
9. Form a conclusion.
A conclusion is a final inference concerning what the evidence allows us to assume at this time. A conclusion is never permanent and is always open to modification based on future data, evidence, facts, and opinions.
10. Consider objectivity.
Is the conclusion reported based on prior beliefs of the reporter or observer in its correctness? Many people make claims (brushing teeth reduces tooth decay) and form conclusions (I will brush my teeth every day because the evidence suggests it will reduce tooth decay), but is the reporter impartial to bias? Example: The individual forming the conclusion that brushing one's teeth every day will reduce tooth decay works for a corporation that profits from the sale of toothpaste products.
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