Developmentalism: Learning as the Basis for Evaluating Information

The developmentalist conception of information's value makes learning the central consideration for evaluating information. Following philosopher Richard Kraut, this article argues that developmentalism provides an important complement to prevalent methods of teaching the evaluation of information. These methods emphasize (a) trustworthiness—for example, CRAAP (currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose) and CARS (credibility, accuracy, reasonableness, and support) and (b) the use of information in an argument—for example, Joseph Bizup's BEAM (background, exhibit, argument, method). The neglected link between evaluation and learning is crucial for early college researchers; otherwise, students can easily just find sources to "back up" their existing opinions. Learning-centered evaluation also challenges students to question how selective exposure influences their media habits. The article includes suggested applications for information literacy instruction in first-year composition.