![A polished analysis built on public domain data is a house of cards. It may look impressive—until a single question exposes the weakness of the sources. Defensible, premium evidence provides the solid foundation that withstands scrutiny. [Image: Copilot]](/images/Images/public-domain-v-premium-data600.png "A polished analysis built on public domain data is a house of cards. It may look impressive—until a single question exposes the weakness of the sources. Defensible, premium evidence provides the solid foundation that withstands scrutiny. [Image: Copilot]")
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Public‑domain information requires rigorous filtering
That does not mean public‑domain information is unusable. But it must be actively sifted. When you encounter potentially relevant public domain sources, you are expected to evaluate them using a structured credibility framework such as the CRAAP test:
- Currency. Is the information recent enough for the decision context?
- Relevance. Does it directly support the analytical question at hand?
- Authority. Who produced it, and are they qualified and accountable?
- Accuracy. Is the information supported by evidence and verifiable sources?
- Purpose. Is it informational, promotional, opinion‑based, or biased?
Only public‑domain information that passes this standard should be used—and even then, only as a supplement, not as the foundation of your analysis. Because this information is available to everyone, relying on it does not differentiate your work or signal MBA‑level research judgment.