Communicating evidence

Objective: Explain claim and evidence, distinguish their meanings, and apply them to a described case.

Claim: A claim is the conclusion or assertion an argument asks readers to accept. Evidence: Evidence consists of relevant observations or records used to support an assertion. A credible argument separates its conclusion from the observations supporting it and explains the inferential connection. Data sources, sampling choices, graph scales, and uncertainty should be inspectable. A persuasive chart is not automatically a valid causal argument. Qualifications specify where the conclusion applies and where evidence is missing. Communicating uncertainty accurately helps readers assess an environmental recommendation without either overstating certainty or implying that all interpretations are equally supported. Application: A report states that one option reduces a measured pollutant. This most directly illustrates claim. A comparison uses documented measurements before and after treatment. This most directly illustrates evidence.

Objective: Explain reasoning and source transparency, distinguish their meanings, and apply them to a described case.

Reasoning: Reasoning explains why the evidence supports the claim through a defensible mechanism or inference. Source transparency: Transparency identifies sources, methods, assumptions, and limitations. A credible argument separates its conclusion from the observations supporting it and explains the inferential connection. Data sources, sampling choices, graph scales, and uncertainty should be inspectable. A persuasive chart is not automatically a valid causal argument. Qualifications specify where the conclusion applies and where evidence is missing. Communicating uncertainty accurately helps readers assess an environmental recommendation without either overstating certainty or implying that all interpretations are equally supported. Application: A report connects reduced inputs with the observed concentration change. This most directly illustrates reasoning. A chart links its data and explains sampling methods. This most directly illustrates source transparency.

Objective: Explain graph integrity and qualification, distinguish their meanings, and apply them to a described case.

Graph integrity: Graph integrity uses scales, labels, and context that represent the data fairly. Qualification: Qualification states the conditions and limits of a conclusion instead of overstating certainty. A credible argument separates its conclusion from the observations supporting it and explains the inferential connection. Data sources, sampling choices, graph scales, and uncertainty should be inspectable. A persuasive chart is not automatically a valid causal argument. Qualifications specify where the conclusion applies and where evidence is missing. Communicating uncertainty accurately helps readers assess an environmental recommendation without either overstating certainty or implying that all interpretations are equally supported. Application: A graph identifies units and avoids concealing its time range. This most directly illustrates graph integrity. A recommendation explains which sites and assumptions it applies to. This most directly illustrates qualification.