Evidence
Definition
Evidence consists of observations, measurements, and data used to support or challenge a hypothesis or claim.
Correct Scientific Usage
Evidence varies in strength depending on study design, methodology, sample size, and reproducibility. Strong conclusions require consistent evidence across multiple high-quality studies.
Common Misunderstandings
All evidence is often treated as equal. Anecdotes, observational studies, and randomized trials may be cited interchangeably despite offering different levels of reliability. Evidence contributes to understanding but doesn’t necessarily prove anything in isolation.
Why It Matters
Understanding evidence quality helps readers evaluate how confident they should be in a claim. It prevents overconfidence in weak evidence while recognizing the strength of accumulated high-quality evidence.
References
- Levels of Evidence: An introduction, Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine
- Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, Cochrane