While conducting internet research on various critical thinking and decision-making techniques that are available, I came across some material written by Robert Harris, a retired university English professor who now spends his time writing articles and essays on creative problem solving, using the Web as a research tool, avoiding plagiarism and other topics related to critical thinking and research. One article, Evaluating Internet Research Sources (Harris, 1997), introduced an innovative idea initially intended for research, but it can also be applied towards decision-making in the business. This method is called CARS, which stands for credibility, accuracy, reasonableness and support.
Credibility
The first step in evaluation and decision-making is to determine the credibility of the source that is providing the material or issue. The listener or researcher should search for evidence of authenticity and reliability as the material is provided.…
