4 Evaluating Evidence Free Online FlashCards

What is evidence?

Information used to support or challenge a claim.

What should you examine when judging evidence quality?

Check how observations were gathered, whether the source is positioned to know, whether data and analysis fit the claim, and whether sources rely on independent evidence.

What can a firsthand account establish—and what may it not show?

It can be useful for establishing what that person experienced, but it may not show how common the event is.

How can you judge whether evidence is relevant to a claim?

Check whether it concerns the same people, place, time, and conditions as the claim.

What does a study of one small group show about a program’s wider effectiveness?

It may be relevant to similar groups, but by itself it does not establish that the program will work everywhere.

Why doesn’t an observed association prove causation?

An association alone does not show that one caused the other; consider alternative explanations.

What can one well-documented case establish?

One well-documented case may establish that something can happen, but usually cannot show how often it happens.

How should you compare a body of evidence from multiple sources?

Assess the overall weight of evidence, including its quality and independence, rather than just counting sources.

What can create uncertainty in evidence?

It can arise from limited data, measurement error, differing results, assumptions in analysis, or applying findings to a new situation.

How should you phrase a conclusion when evidence is not conclusive?

Use calibrated wording such as “supports,” “suggests,” or “is consistent with” when stronger claims like “proves” exceed the evidence.

Why isn’t a source’s reputation enough to establish a claim?

A source’s reputation can matter, but it does not replace checking the evidence behind a specific claim.

Does a large number of reports always make evidence strong?

A large collection of weak or duplicated reports may still provide little support.