What is credible and what is not?

For most of us, it has been lots of years since we were in college or university and accustomed to seeing academic papers where opinions or information presented had to be supported with resources and references.   Even ‘original work’ had to be supported through the research and documentation.  Critical ‘thinking’ skills were essential then….and are they now?

We may have gotten past the point of saying to ourselves,

• “How does that person know that?”
• “From where does their information come?”
• Does his/her background contribute to the credibility of the information?
• Have they sited the places from which they gathered the information?
• Have they noted the people with whom they spoke?
• Do they site only themselves as the major ‘authority’ when it’s not possible for them to be the authority?

Those questions, and others, are still valid!

Where information or an opinion is given on a substantive topic and not supported, question the reliability of the information.   The author, speaker or presenter may be a friend or someone you know from the community, but the criteria for reliable information remains the same.   Just because the person is willing to put themselves ‘out there’ does not guarantee anything.    The information should be based on ‘what’s correct or reliable and supported’  not on  ’who is right’ or because the person is your friend or just because you recognize their name because they write a column for a local periodical.

Unreliable information is in abundance here lakeside.  It is because of this situation that a great deal of effort has been put into documenting Life Planning in Jalisco©.

Part IV of Life Planning in Jalisco lists interviews, on-line references and resources.

• The remainder of the document, especially the legal section, references the legal professionals and others so that any statements made can be followed up with the actual person who made the statements.

Standard research practices were used.  For example, a questionnaire was developed on key legal issues that was provided to several notarios and attorneys both lakeside and in Guadalajara.  The questionnaire was translated into Spanish by a US attorney fluent in Spanish.  The responses were then tabulated and are noted throughout the document, especially in Part II.

The author does not present herself as the ‘authority,’ but as the researcher providing quality information (plus references, resources and legal citations) for people to follow up and use in their own personal situation.