Evaluation should include determination of the following criteria:
- The author and/or source of the information is deemed reputable.
- The credentials of the author and/or source of the information are genuine.
- The information is up to date.
- The author and/or source of the information have nothing to gain by promoting this information.
- The information is presented in a logical way and supported by thorough and legitimate research.
- More than one reputable source supports the same information.
Process/Skill Questions:
Thinking
- How prevalent is misinformation about nutrition?
- How can we determine whether our sources of nutrition-related information are reliable and reputable?
- What are the dangers of following nutrition-related information gained from an unreliable source?
- What factors determine our reaction to nutrition information?
Communication
- What communication skills allow us to evaluate sources of nutrition information in an objective manner?
- Where do we acquire our attitudes and beliefs concerning sources of information?
- Why do people tend to believe food-related information without verifying its accuracy?
Leadership
- What leadership skills help us evaluate sources of nutrition information?
- How can we persuade others to evaluate sources of nutrition information before accepting it as valid?
- Why is it difficult at times to evaluate sources of nutrition information, especially information presented on the Internet?
Management
- What management skills are useful when evaluating sources of nutrition information?
- What resources are available to help us improve our skills related to evaluating sources of information?
- What can we do to assure that others become informed about reliable and unreliable sources of nutrition information?