5. PROMPT – evaluating information
P – Presentation: Is this information clear and well-communicated? Is it succinct (concise and clear)? Can I find what I need here? If it’s a website, is it easy to use and navigate?
R – Relevance: Does this information match my needs right now? What is it mostly about?
O – Objectivity: Are opinions expressed? Are there sponsors? What are you being ‘sold’ here (a particular product, or corporate view)? What are the vested interests or hidden agendas?
M – Method: If statistical data are presented, what are they based on? How were the data gathered? Was the sample used really representative? Were the methods appropriate, rigorous, etc.?
P – Provenance: Is it clear who produced this information? Where does it come from? Whose opinions are these? Are they a recognised expert in their field? Do you trust this information?
T – Timeliness: Is this current? When was it written and produced? Has the climate or situation changed since this information was made available? Is it still up to date enough?
The PROMPT framework offers a structured method for evaluating any information you find online. It is more detailed than CAN, and is especially useful when studying, for example, if you are looking for trustworthy sources to support arguments in an assignment.