Joel Achenbach and Kalev Leetaru
These are the 2 story's
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-science-is-so-hard-to-believe/2015/02/12/2ff8f064-b0a0-11e4-886b-c22184f27c35_story.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2016/12/11/how-data-and-information-literacy-could-end-fake-news/?sh=397acf7f3399
Both Joel Achenbach and Kalev Leetaru describe the unique difficulty of developing and applying critical thinking in the modern world. This problem can be compounded by our own biases—the "filter bubble" that we have created for ourselves. For this paper, explain how Achenbach's idea that "we subconsciously cling to our intuitions—what researchers call our naïve beliefs" applies to Leetaru's notion of "data and information literacy." How does Leetaru offer a remedy to the problem of "confirmation bias" that Achenbach describes?
Consider this model for organization.
• State your claim. This should be the first sentence of the paragraph, though you may have to revise it when you are done with your analysis. • Introduce your quotation from Leetaru or Achenbach, providing the necessary context. • Provide the quotation, ideally integrated into your essay. • Briefly explain and analyze your quotation. • Introduce the quotation from the other author— Leetaru or Achenbach —providing the necessary context. • Provide the quotation, ideally integrated into your essay. • Briefly explain and analyze your quotation and the connection between quotations (if possible, use the language of one quotation to explain the other). • Give some sort of transition to the next paragraph.
Thesis Statement:
In the modern world, developing critical thinking skills and combating confirmation bias is a challenge that is addressed by both Joel Achenbach and Kalev Leetaru. Achenbach's concept of "naïve beliefs" is related to Leetaru's idea of "data and information literacy," and Leetaru offers a solution to the problem of confirmation bias by emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation and understanding of data.
Paragraph 1:
Confirmation bias and the difficulty of critical thinking are significant challenges in the modern world. According to Achenbach, people tend to cling to their intuitions or naïve beliefs, which hinders their ability to objectively evaluate information and develop critical thinking skills. Achenbach states, "we subconsciously cling to our intuitions—what researchers call our naïve beliefs" (Achenbach). This implies that individuals have a natural inclination to hold onto preconceived notions or ideas, making it challenging to approach new information with an open mind.
Paragraph 2:
Leetaru's concept of "data and information literacy" offers a potential solution to the problem of confirmation bias discussed by Achenbach. Leetaru argues that individuals need to develop critical evaluation skills when it comes to data and information. He states, "Data and information literacy is about equipping individuals with the skills necessary to critically evaluate, analyze, and interpret data" (Leetaru). This highlights the importance of being able to assess information objectively and make informed judgments based on evidence rather than personal biases.
Paragraph 3:
Leetaru's emphasis on data and information literacy aligns with Achenbach's notion of naïve beliefs. By promoting critical evaluation skills, individuals can overcome their inherent biases and approach information more objectively. Achenbach's idea of clinging to naïve beliefs can be addressed through Leetaru's approach of developing data and information literacy. By critically evaluating data and information, individuals can challenge their preconceived notions and avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias. This connection between the two authors emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with information rather than passively accepting it.
Transition to the next paragraph:
By understanding the relationship between naïve beliefs and data and information literacy, individuals can take steps towards overcoming confirmation bias and developing critical thinking skills. The next section will explore practical strategies that can be employed to enhance data and information literacy, as suggested by Leetaru.