Often the article is mostly inferences made from evidence presented in another source such as a scientific journal or conference proceeding. The following checklist is designed to help you evaluate scientific information in newspapers and popular magazines. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. List all the evidence presented that is related to the primary claim, both evidence that supports the claim and evidence that contradicts it. Evaluate the evidence.
Acceptable evidence is empirical, from a scientific source, and without bias.
Interpretations of empirical evidence are called inferences and are only accepted if they are reasonable, logical and consistent. A scientific source is documented as a scientist or professional in the field, working for a university, government agency, or reputable organization. To be without bias the claimant should not be paid for the research or results regarding the claim, nor should they benefit in any way from the outcome of the claim. Basis for this. Write a paragraph listing your decision in step 4. and your reasons for that decision.