3 Rs Test for Real and Relevant Results

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.” — Daniel J. Boorstin

How much information is enough, and when can we say we have found the truth?

I use information all the time.

I’ve had to check lots of information from various sources for over 20 years at Microsoft, I’ve reviewed hundreds of books, and interviewed hundreds of people over the years.

One of my simple tests for information is the 3 Rs test. It’s fast, it’s simple, it keeps me grounded.

It goes like this:

1. Are they relevant?
2. Are they real?
3. What are the results?

And what I learned with that third test is that so many balloons pop when tested against reality.

The 3 Rs Test for Real and Relevant Results

The 3 Rs test is a quick and straightforward way to evaluate information, helping you stay focused and grounded.

Here’s how it works:

1. Real: The third and critical step is to question whether the information is real. Does it align with facts, evidence, and the laws of the physical world? This step is your reality check, ensuring that the information is based on truth and not wishful thinking or falsehoods.
2. Relevant: Next, consider the relevance of the information. Does it directly apply to your situation or the topic at hand? Relevance ensures that you’re not distracted by irrelevant data or anecdotes.
3. Results: Ask yourself, what are the outcomes or results being presented? Are they clearly defined and measurable? This step encourages you to look for specific, tangible information rather than vague claims.

What I’ve discovered through this simple yet powerful test is that many ideas and claims quickly deflate when subjected to the scrutiny of real-world testing.

It’s a valuable tool to help you separate fact from fiction and make more informed decisions.

#1. Ask Yourself: Is it Real?

Let’s delve into the “Real” aspect of the 3 Rs test through a practical example:

Scenario: You come across an online article offering a new time management technique that claims to help you accomplish twice as much work in half the time. The article mentions testimonials from individuals who have supposedly achieved astounding results using this method.

Applying the “Real” Test:

• Fact-Based Assessment: Begin by scrutinizing the article for concrete, verifiable results. Are there specific numbers or metrics indicating the level of improvement people have experienced? For instance, are there claims of completing 20 tasks in an hour compared to the usual 10?
• Critical Thinking: Engage your critical thinking skills to assess whether the claims align with reality. Does it seem plausible that a time management technique can lead to such dramatic outcomes? Consider whether the article provides a clear explanation of how this feat is achieved.
• Evaluating Sources: Examine the credibility of the source. Is the article published on a reputable platform known for its accurate and trustworthy content? Investigate the author’s qualifications and expertise in the field of time management.
• Scientific Validity: Probe whether the article references any scientific studies or research supporting the technique. Are there references to peer-reviewed journals or empirical evidence demonstrating its effectiveness? A lack of scientific backing can raise doubts about its validity.
• Guard Against Bias: Be on the lookout for any signs of bias in the article. Biased reporting may involve cherry-picking success stories while downplaying failures or challenges associated with the technique. Scrutinize whether the article presents a balanced view.
• Practical Application: Finally, consider whether the method’s claims align with the realities of your own life and work. Could you realistically implement such a technique given your specific circumstances and commitments?

By applying the “Real” test in this scenario, you ensure that you’re not swayed by sensational claims or wishful thinking.

Instead, you critically assess whether the information is firmly grounded in reality, supported by facts and evidence, and whether it holds practical value for your own time management goals.

#2. Ask Yourself: Is it Relevant?

Let’s explore the “Relevant” aspect of the 3 Rs test with a practical example:

Scenario: You’re researching a new time management method to improve your productivity at work.

Applying the “Relevant” Test:

1. Topic at Hand: Ask yourself whether the information you’re gathering is directly related to your topic or situation, which is improving time management. Relevant information should align with your goal.
2. Avoiding Distractions: Be cautious of information that may lead you off track or introduce irrelevant details. For instance, while researching time management, you come across an article discussing the history of clocks. This historical information, while interesting, is not directly relevant to your goal of improving time management.
3. Stay Focused: Ensure that the data or insights you’re collecting contribute to your understanding of effective time management techniques. If you find yourself reading about unrelated topics or anecdotes that don’t provide actionable advice for your situation, you may need to refocus your research on more relevant sources.

In this case, applying the “Relevant” test helps you filter out distractions and ensure that the information you gather directly serves your goal of improving time management, allowing you to make more effective use of your research time.

From General Results to Relevant Results (Specifically to You)

Let’s delve deeper into how the “Relevant” aspect of the 3 Rs test applies specifically to you, especially when dealing with abstracted or generalized results:

Personal Relevance:

• Assess how the information aligns with your unique circumstances and challenges. In the context of time management, consider whether the techniques or insights offered address your specific issues, such as juggling multiple projects or handling interruptions.

Contextual Consideration:

• Think about whether the information accounts for your work environment and responsibilities. If the results or advice are tailored to corporate professionals but you work in a creative field, assess whether the strategies can be adapted to your creative processes.

Flexibility and Adaptation:

• Recognize that while some information might seem generalized, it can often be adapted to suit your specific needs. For example, if a time management method was developed for students but you’re a freelancer, explore how you can tweak the approach to fit your freelance work style.

Comparative Analysis:

• Compare the generalized advice or results with your own experiences and challenges. Does the information resonate with your situation? If it contradicts your observations or struggles, consider whether it’s genuinely relevant or if you need to look for more tailored guidance.

Actionable Insights:

• Ultimately, relevance should translate into actionable insights. If the information provides you with practical steps or strategies that you can implement in your daily routine to improve time management, it’s likely relevant to your situation.

The “Relevant” aspect of the 3 Rs test encourages you to critically evaluate how well the information aligns with your unique context, challenges, and goals.

Even when dealing with abstracted or generalized results, this approach ensures that the insights you gather are meaningful and actionable in your specific circumstances.

#3.  Ask Yourself: What are the Results?

Let’s dive deeper with a relatable example on how to practice the “Results” aspect of the 3 Rs test:

Scenario: Imagine you’re considering investing in a fitness program. You come across a promotional flyer for a new exercise routine, and it claims to “transform your body in just 30 days.”

Applying the “Results” Test:

1. Define the Outcomes: First, examine the claim. What are the specific outcomes or results promised by this fitness program? In this case, it’s the transformation of your body.
2. Measurability: Now, assess whether these outcomes are clearly defined and measurable. Can you quantify what “transformation” means? Is there a clear definition of what your body will look like or what changes will occur within 30 days? If the flyer is vague and doesn’t specify exact changes or measurements, it might not pass this test.
3. Specificity: Look for specific information. Does the program provide details such as the number of pounds you’re expected to lose, the increase in muscle mass, or specific body measurements? If the flyer lacks specific, quantifiable data, it’s a sign that the results may not be well-defined.

In this example, if the fitness program’s flyer doesn’t offer measurable, specific outcomes for your body transformation, it might not pass the “Results” test.

This exercise highlights the importance of seeking concrete, measurable information to make informed decisions, whether in fitness programs, investments, or any other aspect of life.

Truth is a Journey of Discovery and Delving Deeper

The 3 Rs Test for Real and Relevant Results is a powerful tool for evaluating information’s worth and applicability.

It begins with assessing the Reality, reminding us to anchor your insights in facts, evidence, and the undeniable laws of the physical world.

Then, you step into the realm of Relevance, where you gauge if the information aligns with your goals and avoids distractions.

Lastly, the test brings you to the doorstep of Results, where you seek concrete, measurable outcomes, steering clear of vague claims.

This test serves as your compass for navigating the vast sea of information, ensuring you are guided by tangible, applicable, and authentic insights.

By applying these three critical filters, you sift through the noise, stay focused on your objectives, and ground your knowledge in the bedrock of truth.

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