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What is evidence?
evidence n 1:
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base
belief; "the evidence that smoking causes lung cancer is
very compelling" [syn: grounds] 2: an indication that
makes something evident; "his trembling was evidence of
his fear" 3: (law) all the means by which any alleged
matter of fact whose truth is investigated at judicial trial
is established or disproved v 1: provide evidence for; stand
as proof of; "His high fever attested to his
illness"; "The buildings in Rome manifest a high
level of architectural sophistication" [syn: attest ,
certify , manifest , demonstrate ] 2: provide evidence for;
"The blood test showed that he was the father";
"Her behavior testified to her incompetence" [syn:
testify , bear witness , prove , show ] 3: reveal; "a
telling sign" [syn: tell , ascertain , demonstrate ]
| Source:
WordNet ®
1.6, © 1997 Princeton University |
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Why should we care
about evidence?
Opinions and conclusions are
only as credible as the arguments and evidence used to support
them. The amount, quality and logic of the evidence is a key
to the reliability of the information presented in a web page.
Web page 1: My body is orange.
My top is green. I am a carrot.
Web page 2: My body is orange. My top is green. I am an onion.
Which web page provides
credible evidence? Which page will you accept as supportive of
your research on orange vegetables?
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How
do we recognize evidence?
Look for verifiable facts or
references to authoritative sources that can help you determine
the credibility of the argument or information. Cross reference
the information to other sources. (The Encyclopedia Britannica
calls the carrot "orange-colored roots".) But in the
end, you will have to use your own critical thinking skills to
sort out fact from opinion and logical argument from emotional
appeals or generalizations.
Many writers who express their
ideas use evidence or data to support their ideas. One must
weigh and evaluate the quality of this evidence; one must look
behind the available evidence and assess its type and adequacy.
Types of evidence include:
- Personal experience or
observation
- Statistical data
- Examples, particular events,
or situations that illustrate
- Analogies (comparisons with
similar situations)
- Informed opinion (the opinions
of experts and authorities)
- Historical documentation
- Experimental evidence
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| Each type
of evidence must be weighed in relation to the statement it
supports. Evidence should directly, clearly, and indisputably
support the case or issue in question. |
By permission from 
©Copyright 2002-2005 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy |
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