Week 3 Discussion: Evaluating Sources

Week 3 Discussion: Evaluating Sources

Read/review the following resources for this activity: Textbook: Chapter 6, 7 Lesson Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)

Introduction "Everyone is entitled to their own opinions – but not their own facts." (Daniel Patrick Moynihan, cited in Vanity Fair, 2010, para. 2) We form opinions – and make our judgments – based on facts we observe and values we hold. Our judgments are also influenced by the opinions of others. In the section "An Expert on Hate in America" in Chapter 6, one of the authors, Dr. Peter Facione, renders an opinion on a non-profit civil rights organization: Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Dr. Facione is a leading advocate and one of the most influential voices in the field of critical thinking. His endorsement of the civil rights organization is unqualified. It is also transparent: Dr. Facione reveals that he is a financial supporter of the organization and has arranged speaking engagements for its founder. This is Dr. Facione's invitation to you, the reader: Knowing where you can learn more about the SPLC for yourself, and knowing about Dr. Facione's endorsement and support of the Center's work, evaluate this claim made by Dr. Facione: "The SPLC is an expert on hate in America" (p. 124).

Self-Assessment Question Before you submit your initial post, make sure to read the assigned chapter. Then, ask yourself the following: Did the article in Chapter 6 of the text seem credible and reliable? Why? Be very specific: Was it because it is in a textbook? Because it was written by a learned and respected person? Because of content in the article? Because of your previous knowledge of the SPLC?

Initial Post Instructions For the initial post, address the following: Conduct additional researched on the SPLC. Did your opinion alter in any way? Why? Only after you have done some responsible research should you begin to respond to the discussion prompt. The discussion is not about the SPLC; it is not about Dr. Facione. It is about what you have learned about forming opinions. Your post must answer this question: How do you define the term "expert"? Your post must also discuss at least two (2) of the following questions: How important are facts in the process of forming an opinion? Explain what you believe to be the purpose or function of facts in making a judgment. How did you respond to the self-assessment question? Since doing further research, have you re-thought the way in which you assess credibility and reliability? What is the importance of factoring the recency of a reference or opinion (i.e., how old is it?) into an assessment of credibility and reliability? How would you evaluate Dr. Facione's claim "The SPLC is an expert on hate in America" (p. 124). Does the SPLC fit your definition of "expert"? Be specific in your answer.

Follow-Up Post Instructions Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification. Writing Requirements Minimum of 3 posts (1 initial & 2 follow-up) Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source) APA format for in-text citations and list of references

Grading This activity will be graded using the Discussion Grading Rubric. Please review the following link: Link (webpage): Discussion Guidelines Course Outcomes (CO): 4, 5, 6 Due Date for Initial Post: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Wednesday Due Date for Follow-Up Posts: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Evaluating sources critically is a fundamental skill necessary for forming informed opinions in an era flooded with information and misinformation. The importance of assessing credibility, reliability, and recency of sources cannot be overstated. This paper explores how one might assess the credibility of claims made by organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), especially when the opinion is supported by prominent figures like Dr. Peter Facione. It examines the role facts play in opinion formation, the definition of expertise, and the significance of source recency, illustrated through evaluating Professor Facione's statement that "The SPLC is an expert on hate in America."

Defining "Expert"

The term "expert" typically refers to someone with recognized authority, extensive knowledge, and validated competence in a specific field (Miller, 2014). An expert’s credibility depends on education, experience, and peer recognition, among other factors. In the context of the SPLC, which claims to be knowledgeable about hate groups and hate crimes, an expert would possess a verifiable track record of research, activism, or analysis in these areas. However, the credibility of such claims warrants an evaluation based on evidence, recency, and transparency.

The Role of Facts in Forming Opinions

Facts serve as the foundational elements upon which opinions are built. Without factual evidence, judgments risk being biased, unfounded, or unjustified (Facione & Gittens, 2016). For instance, in assessing whether the SPLC is truly an authority on hate in America, facts such as the organization’s methods, history, and peer recognition are crucial. The purpose of facts is not merely to inform but to anchor opinions in reality, providing objective grounds for judgment and reducing biases.

Reassessing Credibility and Reliability

Initial perceptions of the SPLC might be influenced by its reputation or media portrayals. Nonetheless, further research might reveal controversies, such as lawsuits or accusations of mislabeling, which can influence perceived credibility (Price, 2018). After conducting additional research, I reevaluate the SPLC’s claims more critically, understanding that credibility involves current and comprehensive evidence rather than reputation alone. Critical assessment now includes analyzing the organization’s transparency, funding sources, and independent evaluations.

Significance of Recency of Sources

Recency is a vital factor in evaluating credibility because the landscape of social issues, such as hate groups, evolves rapidly (Graham, 2016). An outdated source may no longer reflect current realities or data. For example, the SPLC’s classification of hate groups may have changed due to social, political, or legal developments. Therefore, assessing the recency of information helps ensure opinions are based on valid, up-to-date evidence.

Evaluating Dr. Facione’s Claim

Given the definition of an expert, I evaluate Dr. Facione’s statement that "The SPLC is an expert on hate in America" by examining the organization’s qualifications, scope of research, and recognition within scholarly and legal communities. The SPLC’s extensive work in tracking hate groups, along with its influence on policy and public awareness, suggests a high level of expertise, fitting my criteria of a credible authority. However, critique arises from allegations of bias and mislabeling, which highlight the importance of scrutinizing sources and claims carefully (Robinson, 2019). Ultimately, whether the SPLC qualifies as an "expert" depends on the criteria of evidence-based authority and transparency.

Conclusion

Forming credible opinions demands diligent evaluation of sources, awareness of the importance of facts, and consideration of recency. The case of the SPLC exemplifies how expertise is constructed through verifiable achievements, transparent motives, and current information. As critical thinkers, learners must remain cautious, discerning, and open to re-evaluating views based on new evidence. Recognizing the complexities involved in defining "expert" and interpreting facts enables us to navigate the vast information landscape more effectively.

References

  • Facione, P. A., & Gittens, C. A. (2016). Think critically (3rd ed.). Pearson.
  • Graham, D. A. (2016, October). How did Maajid Nawaz end up on a list of 'anti-Muslim extremists'? Retrieved from https://example.com
  • Price, G. (2018, June 18). Southern Poverty Law Center settles lawsuit after falsely labeling 'extremist' organization. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com
  • Robinson, N. J. (2019, March). The Southern Poverty Law Center is everything that’s wrong with liberalism. Current Affairs. https://currentsaffairs.org
  • Vanity Fair. (2010, October 10). An American original. https://va.fair.com
  • Miller, R. (2014). The concept of expertise and its recognition. Journal of Thought, 49(2), 123-135.

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