Reliable Information Best Practices

Joseph "Joe" Sabol, PhD, is a chemist and chemical engineer, a consultant to the chemical, semiconductor, metal/oxide, polymer, and related industries, specializing in technical and business development services in the chemical sector and owner/operator of Joe Sabol Farm in Racine County, Wisconsin.

Reliable Information

Reliable information is crucial for effective public policy discussion and decision-making. Policymakers need accurate, transparent, and trustworthy information to make good decisions and allocate resources that effectively address societal issues. Public trust and accountability are enhanced when evidence is used, not assumptions, bias, or speculation. When all stakeholders have access to the same reliable information and a voice in the discussion, the results are easier accepted by all.

Information flows to us via many channels. Misleading information is more than an inconvenience, it can create chaos and delay or prevent decisions in areas such as public health, environmental action, and the market. Society action taken without regard for reliable information is undesirable. Assessing the quality of scientific literature is an art, a skill that not every member of society is capable of performing. Mis- and dis-information, claims not supported by evidence, can spread like wildfire; if unchallenged, societal polarization can increase and confidence in public institutions can erode. We need to develop and execute best practices in sharing information, to help society understand and resolve complex social and technical issues. Information theory, education, libraries, behavioral science, artificial intelligence, and public policy can be tools to address misleading information.

Trusted Information for Public Policy

Reliable information is crucial for effective public policy discussion and decision-making. Policymakers need accurate, transparent, and trustworthy information to make good decisions and allocate resources that effectively address societal issues. Public trust and accountability are enhanced when evidence is used, not assumptions, bias, or speculation. Problem identification and framing can define issues and avoid or mitigate unintended consequences. When all stakeholders have access to the same reliable information and a voice in the discussion, the results are easier accepted by all. 

ACS

Elevating the Discussion around Scientific Information

Information flows to us via many channels. Misleading information is more than an inconvenience, it can create chaos and delay or prevent decisions in areas such as public health, environmental action, and the market. Society action taken without regard for reliable information is undesirable. Assessing the quality of scientific literature is an art, a skill that not every member of society is capable of performing. Mis- and dis-information, claims not supported by evidence, can spread like wildfire; if unchallenged, societal polarization can increase and confidence in public institutions can erode. What are the best practices that we can share, to help society understand and resolve complex social and technical issues? Information theory, education, libraries, behavioral science, artificial intelligence, and public policy can be tools to address misleading information.

ACS Fall 2024 CINF