analyse and evaluate the evidence and reasoning used to support claims, arguments and perspectives

🔍 Research, Analysis and Evaluation

What is Research? 🤔

Research is like detective work. You start with a question, then gather clues (evidence) from reliable sources, and finally solve the mystery by drawing conclusions.

Types of Evidence 📚

Evaluating Evidence 🔎

1. Who produced the evidence? (Authority)
2. Is the source reputable? (Credibility)
3. Is the information up-to-date? (Currency)
4. Does it cover the topic fully? (Relevance)
5. Is there any bias or conflict of interest? (Bias)

Evaluating Reasoning 🧠

Look at how the evidence is used to support a claim. Ask:

• Does the evidence directly answer the claim? (Relevance)
• Are there logical leaps or assumptions? (Logical Consistency)
• Is the conclusion supported by enough evidence? (Sufficiency)

Step‑by‑Step Analysis Process 🚦

1. Identify the claim: What is being argued? Example: “School lunch programmes reduce obesity.”
2. Gather evidence: Find studies, statistics, expert opinions.
3. Check credibility: Are the studies peer‑reviewed? Who funded them?
4. Assess relevance: Does the evidence directly relate to the claim?
5. Look for bias: Are the authors funded by food companies?
6. Evaluate reasoning: Does the argument logically connect evidence to claim?
7. Draw conclusions: Summarise whether the evidence supports the claim.

Example: Debating School Lunch Nutrition 🍎

Claim: “Adding fruit to school lunches improves student concentration.”

Evidence found:

• Primary: Randomised controlled trial (RCT) from Journal of Nutrition (2021).
• Secondary: Review article summarising 10 RCTs (2022).
• Tertiary: Wikipedia entry on school nutrition (2023).

Evaluation:

• Credibility: RCT published in a peer‑reviewed journal.
• Currency: Study published 2021, still recent.
• Bias: No industry funding reported.
• Relevance: Directly measures concentration after fruit consumption.

Reasoning check: The study shows a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05). The conclusion that fruit improves concentration follows logically.

Quick Check Questions ??

1. What type of evidence is this? (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary)
2. Is the source reputable? Why or why not?
3. Does the evidence directly support the claim?
4. What assumptions might the author be making?
5. Could there be a conflict of interest?

Key Takeaways 🎯

- Treat research like detective work: gather clues, check their authenticity, and solve the mystery.

- Always ask who produced the evidence and whether it’s credible, relevant, unbiased, and up‑to‑date.

- A strong argument links evidence directly to the claim with clear, logical reasoning.