How to Get Reliable Information

How to get reliable information.

There are many ways you can acquire unreliable information, but here are four ways to get reliable information:

1. Sense perception - Your own eyes and ears.
2. Logical conclusions derived from sensory evidence.
3. Intuition based upon past experience.
4. Knowledge gained from experts in their field.

1. Sense perception - Your own eyes and ears.

Your most immediate source of information is your primary senses. Nature endowed you with five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. You gain first-hand, factual information by opening your eyes and ears and paying attention to what is going on around you.

The key phrase here is: pay attention!

2. Rational / logical conclusions based upon the evidence of the senses.

Your sense organs are limited in their number and scope. But human reason can extend your knowledge far beyond the immediately perceivable world, by thinking logically and coming to conclusions built upon the primary evidence provided by the senses. In this way, scientists uncover the secrets of the universe on both the subatomic and cosmic dimensions. They use logic to unravel the mysteries of scale.

Key advice: learn to think logically.

3. Intuition based upon past experience.

As you age, your brain stores an enormous amount of information. Most of your knowledge is stored as subconscious memories. On occasion, when you are struggling to answer a question, your brain will access your subconscious memory, and provide you with an INTUITION. It may seem as if it comes from an outside source, but is, in fact, your subconscious mind trying to tell you something. You should take your intuitions seriously, but you should not consider them to be infallible.

Key advice: listen to your intuition.

4. Knowledge gained from experts in their field.

In today's complex societies, you rely on other people's expertise and knowledge. You can and should gain knowledge from experts in all fields.

But be sure that the "expert" from whom you are taking advice really is an expert, and not a YouTube guru. There are many people purporting to be experts when in fact they are untrustworthy. In addition, remember that most experts are experts in only ONE field. So, for instance, you should NOT take marital advice from Albert Einstein, even though he has a Nobel prize in physics!

Key advice: choose your experts carefully!

Sources of information you cannot trust.

1. Majority opinion. The majority opinion is NOT a source of knowledge. Even though a lot of people say something, does not mean it is true.

2. Knowledge gained from non experts. There are many YouTube experts, you should avoid.

3. Fake news and dubious statistics. Many mainstream news organisations are acting as "pressure groups", with their own political and ideological agendas. Many news outlets have abandoned their obligations to provide an objective report, and instead put their own spin on events. They like to call it "analysis" but in reality, it is "spin". Beware of Media Spin Doctors, they are deceivers.

Definition: reliable information

In everyday life and work, reliable information is any fact or view you can trust. It comes from credible sources, is backed by clear proof, matches other trusted data, and is free from spin. When one of these four points is missing, the information stops being reliable and should be questioned.

Article Summary

To uncover truth in a noisy world, open your eyes, think with clear logic, trust seasoned intuition and seek proven experts-then cross-check them all before you believe a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.

Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!

Did You Know: Key Statistics

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Personal Effectiveness

• How to persuade someone to do something
  Discover six easy persuasion tips that prove your idea, show personal gain and keep tasks simple and fun, so you can persuade someone and gain support fast.
  Read Article >
• How ARE you doing? What an excellent question
  Turn the everyday greeting into a true self assessment. Compare this year to last, your goals, peers and perfection, then use the insight to improve every year.
  Read Article >
• Problem Solving Skills
  Learn structured problem solving skills: define issues, gather facts, judge options, act, monitor. Boost workplace results and confidence with a six-step plan.
  Read Article >
• How to make the most of your journey to work
  Use your journey to work as a productive commute: learn a language, set goals or simply rest. Discover 8 smart down time activities to make travel time count.
  Read Article >
• How to Lift My Mood
  Discover how to lift your mood by choosing a better mental diet. Swap gloomy news for inspiring ideas and feel brighter within days. Learn simple steps now.
  Read Article >

Looking for Personal Development Training?

If you're looking to develop your Personal Effectiveness Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

Next Open Course Starts in 2 days, London - Central, places available Book Now >