Information Literacy and Science Misinformation

Abstract

Science and health misinformation is endemic; there can be profound consequences both for individuals and society when people make decisions based on such information. Information literacy skills provide one tool to help mitigate against misinformation. These skills include the recognition of a need for information, the ability to locate and retrieve information, and the ability to effectively use the information. Underpinning these processes are the concept of effectiveness and the ability to evaluate all steps of the process. These skills are essential if people are to be able to evaluate the sources of information, the process by which it was retrieved, and the biases inherent in its creation and dissemination. Thus, information literacy is one of tools that can be used to mitigate against misinformation.