Module 9 - Interpreting Evidence

Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4

Activity 1: Introduction

Critical thinkers understand there is more than one way to interpret data or evidence.  Furthermore, they understand the value of reflecting on multiple ways to interpret data, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each interpretation, in order to arrive at the most reasonable conclusion.  This evaluative process is also a good way to determine the value of the conclusions that others propose.  Of course, sometimes the issue is that the data is not gathered and reported clearly, accurately, or fairly.

Applying this critical thinking strategy to reading primary research in your later academic career is an effective way to determine the validity of  specific research.  In order to do this, stop after you read the section reporting the data collected and ask yourself what reasonable interpretations you could draw.  After you have made a note of your own interpretations, read the interpretation of data by the researcher.  If there is a disagreement between your interpretations and those of the researcher, the study may be questionable.