Strategies for Evaluating Information: ACT UP

ASK YOURSELF:  HOW CAN I ACT UP?

ACT UP uses a critical approach to information consumption. The reader is asked to be active in questioning and identifying dominant narratives, hierarchies of knowledge, and limiting academic definitions of expertise and authority.

Author

  • Who wrote the resource?
  • Who are they? Google them. 
  • Are they affiliated with any associations, organizations, etc. that would be a conflict of interest.
  • Background information matters. If you can't find out who wrote the resource, consider how this might impact your research.

Currency

  • Pay attention to dates. When was it originally created? This might be different than when the information was shared.
  • There is a difference between when something was published and when it was uploaded to a website and/or database.
  • If a website does not indicate when it was last updated, consider how this might impact your research.

Truth

  • Pay attention to the language used in the resource. Language choice has meaning and semantics matter.
  • Follow the rule of three - you should be able to back up claims in at least three other sources.
  • While spelling and grammar mistakes could be a red flag, consider the creator(s) of the content and ask yourself if the spelling/grammar mistakes really impact the information delivery. 
  • Just because you found something from a reputable site does not mean the site cannot contain shoddy research, misinformation, or false claims.

Unbiased

  • There is no such thing as unbiased. 
  • Is the purpose of the source clearly known? If not, why might the author hide that information?.
  • Who funded the research? The funders might have a vested interest in the outcome of the research.
  • Did you discover any conflicts of interest when you Googled the author(s)?

Privilege 

  • Privilege in publishing = mostly white male scholars and researchers.
  • Can you seek out a variety of scholars who are writing on a specific topic? 
  • Who is missing from the research conversation?
  • Take time to search for sources/authors who are not represented in the databases so that your research is well-rounded and inclusive.

Adapted from ACT UP-Evaluation Method, Dawn Stahura Links to an external site.