Evidence Evaluation
Point!

Consider the evidence carefully by asking yourself some questions:

1. Where does the information come from?

What observations can you make?
(directly from looking at the evidence or from seeing something happen)
- Think about possible sources of bias or error.
What information comes from other sources?
(from other people by what they say or have written)
- Think about possible sources of bias or error.
- Think about how credible the source is.

2. What patterns can you see in the evidence?

Think about whether you are making any assumptions.
- What do you know for sure?
- What do you think might be true?
Think about whether there are any missing links in your logical argument for what you know is true and what you think must be true.
- What information do you need to fill the missing link?

3. What is the most plausible explanation based on the current evidence?

Consider what you know for sure.
Consider what information you still need.
Ask yourself: Does the situation require being certain beyond the shadow of a doubt? Or is a good theory acceptable?

Table reprinted with permission from Materials for Integrating the Teaching of Thinking: Developed for the Burlington Public Schools ©1994, Tina A. Grotzer, All Rights Reserved.