Statistics and data can provide critical evidence to support arguments and conclusions. Here are a few steps to follow to effectively evaluate statistics and data in your readings:
- Read the data carefully: Before analyzing any data, it’s important to read it carefully and understand what it represents.
- Identify the source: It is important to identify and assess the source of the data to determine its reliability.
- Interpret the data: Once you have analyzed the data, it is essential to interpret it in the context of the author’s argument or thesis. Does the data actually support the author’s argument or conclusion?
Understanding and analyzing statistics and data is important to develop critical thinking skills. If you can effectively analyze the use of statistics and data in your reading, it will improve your ability to use statistics and data to support your own arguments.