Nomenclature for Information Literacy

Describing Information

Information

Information is the set of {facts, opinions, concepts, conclusions, data, methods and so on} about a topic.

Misinformation

Information that is inaccurate or wrong without regard for whether or not the sender is aware that it is flawed.

Disinformation

Misinformation is information that is misleading or wrong when the sender is aware that they are communicating flawed information. Typically, misinformation is used by senders are striving to get something that they want.

Accurate Information

Information that paints an accurate view of reality about a topic.

Propoganda

Information that is presented in a biased or misleading way to promote a particular agenda or influence opinions.

Fact (Objective Fact):

:A statement whose truth or falsity is independent of anyone’s opinion because its truth value is determined by direct methods: observation, experiment, calculations, investigative journalism, methods used by skilled detectives such as DNA matching, and so on.

Opinion (Subjective Fact)

:A statement whose truth value depends on an actor’s values, beliefs, and so on. A subjective fact is true for one or more people, but not true for all people. Example: Apple pie is the best kind of pie.

Good Information (High Quality Information)

Information that meets 7 criteria: super-useful, true, accurate, complete, easy-to-figure-out, well organized, and justified.

Accurate View of Reality (AVR)

An AVR is the view that best represents the world as it is—one that aligns with the best available evidence and the conclusions drawn from it, in ways that are relatively independent of personal beliefs.

Inaccurate View of Reality (IVR)

An IVR is when an actor (person or group) has beliefs that are misleading or wrong about a topic.

Subjects or Methods

Information Literacy

This subject equips an actor (person or group) with the ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively.

Critical Thinking

This subject equips an actor (person or group) with the abilities to (a) get an accurate view of reality, (b) figure out the best actions to take, and (c) justify their conclusions in all cases.

Research:

This subject equips an actor (person or group) with the abilities to seek out high-quality information and find it with the fewest drawbacks (time, effort, cost, hassles, and so on.)

Fact Checking

This subject equips an actor (person or group) with the abilities to figure out the degree to which information represents an accurate view of reality and communicates this uncertainty.

Things to Watch Out For

Propoganda

This is when a government, organization, or individual systematically disseminates false or misleading information to shape public perception, influence attitudes, guide actions, or promote a particular agenda.

Deception

Deception is the intentional attempt to provide an inaccurate view of reality do for the deceiver’s benefit.

Manipulation (Unethical Persuasion):

Persuasion is attempting to get another actor (person, group, or entity) to believe something or do something. It become manipulation when the sender uses misinformation, coercion, or mind-tricks.

Fraud

Fraud is the intentional deception of a person or entity for financial or personal gain. It involves misrepresentation, concealment, or manipulation of facts to cause harm or gain an unfair advantage.

Con

A con is a deceptive scheme or trick designed to manipulate someone into trusting the con artist and ultimately losing money, property, or control. A con artist (short for “confidence artist”) is a person who gains the victim’s trust through deception, persuasion, or charm and then exploits them for personal gain.