My Approach in Validating and Seeking Information

In today's digital age, the quest for knowledge often starts with a simplistic question put into a google text box that unveils several answers. As I reflect on my approach to seeking information, I realize that it's a case by case process that adapts to the context of the question.

Here is my reflective audit takeaways

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​The Google Go-To	When faced with a straightforward question or a query related to common knowledge, my go-to source is undoubtedly Google. It's quick and efficient . However, not all questions can be resolved with a simple search. When the quest for knowledge requires fact-checking or a deep dive into a subject, I switch gears and engage in more comprehensive research including library databases
Comprehensive Research	Comprehensive research is where the journey gets exciting. It involves delving into library databases, exploring academic journals, and using Google Scholar as a search engine, thanks to its extensive resources. My hospital organizations library along with my current schools also provides in-depth databases. Google can tend to appear as both fact and fiction. Therefore, critical review of sources becomes a necessity. Not all websites are created equal, and distinguishing reliable information from questionable content is a skill every researcher needs.
The Value of Expertise	In an era of virtual connections and digital dialogues, I still value the power of in-person interactions, especially when it involves consulting subject matter experts. If I happen to know someone personally who possesses expertise on a particular subject, I seize the opportunity for a face-to-face discussion. It's a practice that helps eliminate potential biases.
Subjectivity vs. Objectivity	Navigating the information landscape isn't just about where you search; it's also about what you seek. When it comes to subjective information, particularly in the realm of politics or opinionated pieces, I've noticed a significant variance in content from one article to another. It's a reminder of the subjectivity that can cloud such discussions. Conversely, when dealing with objective information grounded in measurements and established standards, there's generally less room for assumptions. Objective data, when properly sourced and interpreted, forms a solid foundation for informed decision-making.
The "Info-demic" Challenge	The ongoing "Info-demic" has been a stark illustration of the consequences that can arise when information is not rigorously validated. This signifies the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking,
Library	Throughout my researching, I allocate time each month to tidy up my OneDrive, where I store important documents. Maintaining order and accessibility in the digital realm is crucial, ensuring that the knowledge I've acquired remains readily available when needed. Now post audit, I have introduced the google Chrome Extension Viigo for bookmarking and highlighting purposes.
​Room for Improvement	While my information analysis process can be comprehensive, I remain inconsistent . One area I recognize as a gap in my practice is the validation of articles. Apart from cross-referencing multiple sources that may contain the same information, I have yet to implement a dedicated validation tool into my routine.

With common practices and projects continuously changing based on the influence of new information, moving forward it will be key to ensure information is validated.

My Diigo Library