RAVEN - A Useful Tool for Critical Analysis (and steemit arguments).

bkkshadow (70)in #life • 9 years ago (edited)

In the last few weeks I've been witnessing a shit-storm brewing between rival factions of high level steemit users. I initially intended to post this as a comment, but then thought it may be seen as some kind of tacit endorsement for either side and make me some powerful enemies. As I don't know any of the parties involved and have no stake in the game, I figured if I turned my thoughts into an independent post here. I hope that it may serve as a useful tool for those wishing to engage in rational discourse and logical argument in the future, inside steemit or out.

As part of my job, I need to teach undergrads the basics of research and analysis. Together, we look at a variety of tools for critical thought including; how to identify bias, logical fallacies & syllogisms. However, the analytic method I want to talk about today is called "RAVEN". It can be used to evaluate the validity of pretty much any source of information. "RAVEN" is a well-known mnemonic, but I have changed it a bit, so if you encounter it elsewhere, it may be slightly different.

When you are presented with an argument, ask yourself the following questions before you accept it as truth.

R A V E N

R

Reputation

Who is the Author?
Who wrote or spoke it?
What is his/her academic disciplinary background?
What are their previous publications and academic reputation?
--What is their Cultural/religious and geographical background?
Where was this piece published, does the reputation of this publisher influence your expectations of it?

A

Ability to See,

What is the context in which the author wrote this piece?
Does this (context) change what the author may have ‘been able’ to see?
Are you able to recognize the differences between your values,attitudes & cultural values and those represented?

NB: These 2 parts (R/A) are questions you want to answer before you read a text.

V

Vested Interest

What are the author’s personal motivations to say something?
Is this article in response to something?
What are your motivations to read the text?
Were your motivations satisfied, challenged, or not addressed?

E

Evidence

What is the main argument?
What evidence is presented to support the argument?
What kind of evidence does the author present?(quantitative or qualitative?)
What are the strengths & limitations of this evidence?
– Is it convincing?
Can it be validated or proven?

N

Neutrality

Is the article well-rounded?
Does it take multiple perspectives into account?

Conclusion:

If you approach each piece of information in this way, then you are unlikely to be deceived by false-truths. Don't just accept something because it conveniently agrees with your confirmation bias. As for the on-going steemit feud, I can honestly say that neither side's argument has passed a RAVEN analysis in my eyes.