Discussion of Evidence Flashcards
Identify, describe, and evaluate the six features of evidence
- Clarity of Expression
- Representativeness
- Accuracy
- Authority
- Precision
- Sufficiency
CRAAPS
What is 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
What is representativeness?
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
What is 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
What is accuracy?
Accuracy is needed to support instead of undermine/negate a claim
- Do your own research
- Use proxies
- Are there other errors?
- Are sources missing?
What is precision?
- Appropriately precise (not under, not over)
- Use numbers & statistics → don’t be vague
- Use direct quotations → avoid misrepresentation
What is 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
Identify logical fallacies associated with evidence
- Fallacy of Hasty Generalization
- Fallacy of False Appeal to Authority
- Fallacy of Argumentum Ad Populum
- Fallacy of Incomplete Evidence (Cherry Picking)
- Argumentum Ad Hominem
- Argumentum Ad Misericordim
What is the Fallacy of Hasty Generalization?
Jumping to conclusions with biased information
What is the Fallacy of False Appeal to Authority?
Accepting statements from someone with no expertise from the specific area (celebrities)
What is the Fallacy of Argumentum Ad Populum?
Trying to “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.
What is the 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
What is 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)
What is Argumentum ad Misericordim?
(Appeal to pity)
Using emotion to prove an argument by saying it will benefit someone and/or stop hurting someone
What is belief preservation/confirmation bias?
- 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
What is misinformation?
Information that is false, but the person providing it doesn’t know and believes it to be true
What is disinformation?
Information that is false, but the person providing it knows it is false
Identify, describe, and evaluate the four sources of evidence-based practice
- Scientific Literature - empirical studies
- Organizational Data - internal data
- Stakeholders - values and concerns
- Practitioners - professional expertise
