Tool for Success—Being a Critical Reader—continued

Step 4. Evaluate

Use the questions from Step 3 to evaluate the following scenario.

Try It Yourself

You're a scientist and you have been asked to evaluate another scientist's work on the use of garlic as an anti-viral agent (a substance that destroys viruses). Dr. Sirus claims that garlic contains chemical compounds that fight off such viruses as the flu virus. Read the following statements and decide which would convince you that her claims are true.

1. She has to tell you how the garlic works to fight the virus.
2. She has to explain her ideas in clear and convincing terms.
3. She has to show evidence or proof that garlic fights flu viruses.

Answer

If you picked C, you’re right! Scientifically valid statements are supported with data drawn from multiple experiments and accepted by most scientists.

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