What are the seven guidelines suggested in Chapter 11 to evaluate the validity and strength

Question

of supporting materials?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The first question to consider when evaluating supporting materials is whether or not
the evidence is quoted in context. If evidence is quoted out of context it may not accurately
reflect the source's position on the topic. Second, you should ask if the source of the evidence is
truly an expert, meaning the person is qualified to speak on the subject because of his or her
position, education, training, or experience. Tom Cruise's opinion of psychiatry, while
interesting, may not be classified as expert. Third, you should ask if the expert is unbiased.
Fourth, you should ask if the evidence is relevant to the point being made. Next, you should
evaluate whether the evidence is specific, replacing vague phrases open to interpretation with
more precise words. Then you should ask if the evidence is sufficient to prove the point. Lastly,
you should examine whether or not the evidence is timely and appropriate to the argument
being advanced.