Final answer:
The concept pertaining to information's variable accuracy, reliability, slant, and timeliness is known as information literacy, which involves the critical evaluation of information and recognizing bias to avoid misinformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept that recognizes that information varies wildly in its accuracy, reliability, slant, and timeliness is known as information literacy. Information literacy is the ability to evaluate information critically and competently. A major aspect is discerning the quality of information, whether from scholarly or non-scholarly sources, in order to make well-informed decisions.
Differentiating facts from opinions, identifying bias, and understanding the motivation behind certain pieces of information are important skills that help avoid misinformation. When dealing with information overload, it is vital to exercise healthy skepticism and consider multiple viewpoints to achieve a more informed perspective, rather than accepting information at face value. This critical examination includes questioning the expertise of the source, potential gains from the claim's acceptance, the evidence supporting the claim, and the consensus among other researchers or sources.
Recognizing Bias
It's also essential to recognize bias in the information we encounter. Bias can come in the form of a preconceived opinion and can affect how information is presented and perceived. As consumers of information, it is our responsibility to see through these biases and seek out objective and unbiased information where possible.