DISCUSSION OF EVIDENCE Flashcards
What is evidence
- statements that answer why the claim should be accepted
claim without evidence is…
an opinion
claim with evidence is…
an argument
how do we find evidence?
words like: because, as a result, in the first place, for example, given that, studies show
six features of evidence
- accuracy
- precision
- sufficiency of evidence
- representativeness
- authority
- clarity of expression
accuracy of evidence
Accuracy is needed to support instead of undermine/negate a claim
- Do your own research
- Use proxies
- Are there other errors?
- Are sources missing?
missinformation
information that is false, but the person providing it doesn’t know and believes it to be true
dissinformation
information that is false, but the person providing it knows it is false
precision
- Appropriately precise (not under, not over)
- Use numbers & statistics → don’t be vague
- Use direct quotations → avoid misrepresentation
sufficiency of evidence
- in most instances, one piece of data isn’t enough
- Varies w/importance of claim & potential damage if claim is incorrect
1. Short Open-Ended: 3 pieces
2. Research paper: 40 companies
3. Medical Study: 1000+ patients
Representativeness of Evidence
- A variety of sources should match the variety in the population relevant to the claim
- How? Take the time & care to comprehensively consider who is impacted/involved
- Be mindful of who is being asked
- make sure it is a diverse group
authority of evidence
- It is rare to have first-hand knowledge
- Must rely on experience of others
- How/Which Others?
- Special training and/or professional
credentials (scholars) - Ensure their credentials are related to given claim
Clarity of Expression
- Evidence can be easily misinterpreted
- Interpret data for the reader & state its significance explicitly
- it must be expressed clearly so that it can be understood and evaluated properly
- Share your insights gained through analysis
Fallacy of Hasty Generalization
jumping to conclusion w/biased info
Fallacy of False Appeal to Authority
accept statements from someone with no expertise from the specific area (celebrities)
Fallacy of Argumentum Ad Populum
“appeal to the people” when a claim is argued to be true or right simply because a large number of people believe it. Instead of providing logical reasoning or evidence, this fallacy relies on majority opinion as proof.
Fallacy of Incomplete Evidence (Cherry Picking)
when only select evidence is presented to support an argument, and evidence that would go against the argument is withheld
Argumentum Ad Hominem
(argument to/against the
man) an attack on the character
of a person rather than their opinions or arguments (when attack on
the person is irrelevant to their argument) nicholas example “you suck”
Argumentum Ad Misericordim
using emotion to prove an argument by saying it will benefit someone and/or
stop hurting someone
confirmation bias (belief preservation)
- Seek evidence that supports what we believe and do not seek and avoid or ignore evidence that goes against it
- Rate evidence as good or bad depending on whether it supports or conflicts with our belief
- Stick with our beliefs even in the face of overwhelming contrary evidence as long as we can find some support, no matter how slender
evidence based practice
Using evidence to make decisions in business
X
- “Gut feeling”
- Obsolete Traditions
- Mimicking
- HIPPO (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion)
4 sources
Scientific Literature - empirical studies
Organizational Data - internal data
Stakeholders - values and concerns
Practitioners - professional expertise
Red Herring:
diversionary tactic that avoids the key issues, often by avoiding opposing arguments rather than addressing them
