Evaluation of a Claim

In your everyday lives, you are bombarded by claims made by vendors, advertisers, suitors, politicians, and others who want something from you, usually (but not always) your money. Very often these claims are portrayed as being facts, and perhaps as scientific observations (data). How can you determine if these claims are indeed valid? This little check-list, adapted from an exercise written by the interdisciplinary science faculty at Kennesaw State University, may help you decide.

1. Describe, in your own words, the claims. For example, for a product, describe how it is supposedly useful to you.

2. State the underlying explanation for the claim in your own words. For example, how does the product supposedly work?

3. List the evidence given to support the claim and the explanation for the claim.

4. List the possible problems with the evidence (including problems with experimental design if applicable).

5. List assumptions made that, if false, would invalidate the explanation or the claim.

6. List any fallacies in the explanation. Some library and/or Internet investigation may be in order, if time permits.

7. List any aspects or consequences of the explanation or claim that contradict commonly accepted principles of science or common experience.

8. Propose an alternative explanation for the claim or phenomenon (if applicable).

9. Describe a test that could provide evidence for or against the claim.

10. Based on the evidence considered, do you accept or reject the claim? Explain your answer.