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Select and Use Evidence

Definition

Selecting and using evidence involves choosing relevant information or data to support a claim or argument. It requires evaluating the credibility, reliability, and relevance of sources to strengthen the validity of your position.

Analogy

Imagine you are a detective solving a crime. You carefully select pieces of evidence that directly link the suspect to the crime scene, such as fingerprints or DNA samples. Similarly, when selecting evidence for an argument, you choose facts, statistics, or expert opinions that provide strong support for your claim.

Related terms

Primary Source: A primary source is an original document or firsthand account related to a topic under investigation. It offers direct evidence from the time period being studied.

Secondary Source: A secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources. These include textbooks, scholarly articles, or documentaries that provide analysis and commentary on a topic.

Anecdotal Evidence: Anecdotal evidence refers to personal stories or individual experiences that may be used as examples but should be approached with caution due to their limited scope and potential bias.