KINDS OF EVIDENCE Nov 13 2014 Kinds of

KINDS OF EVIDENCE Nov. 13, 2014

Kinds of Evidence from Secondary Sources Facts or Statistic – knowledge or information that most people would find incontrovertible (information almost everyone agrees with no matter their views). Definition – statements clarifying the meaning of important terminology Opinion or Interpretation – A viewpoint or opinion a person holds on the issue; the major explanation or rationale someone gives for events or problems; can be expert or non-expert opinion Policy or Law – The official procedures, rules, laws, and guidelines that guide decisions and judgment on an issue; also the procedures, actions, rules, laws, and/or guidelines that can be proposed to deal with the issue. Example – information that provides one specific instance or

Using Stasis to Investigate Background Facts/Stats Definition Opinion Policy Example Cited information that is not in question Key words used to communicate the topic Expert or legal definitions Numerical or Statistical Data Dictionary / common usage definitions The official existing procedures, rules, laws and legal decisions, and /or guidelines by governments or organizations Stories about individuals Standard expert understanding Cited relevant viewpoints, opinions, and attitudes on the issue Actions, procedures, rules, laws, legal decisions, or guidelines have been suggested proposed. One situation or case that shows what is typical The confirmed or official history? Connotations of words and terms Dates, Places, etc. used What is the scientific or expert input on this? Rationalizations or justifications by experts or nonexperts Experts’ interpretations of existing data or facts. Specific cases that have occurred at specific places/times