Text Table of Contents #13 and 14:

Omitted Information / Alternate Conclusions

Whereas discovering ‘Rival Causes’ requires us to examine ‘evidence’ when presented as a cause for something -

Omitted Information asks us to identify information that would help understand or shape the reasoning.

Counter claims or arguments.

Definitions, value preferences, perspectives.

Evidence or facts used:

◦ Sources and reliability.

◦ Details of how evidence (facts) was gathered.

◦ Alternative procedures for gathering evidence.

◦ Missing data, graphs, figures.

◦ Alternative effects (positive or negative).

Conclusions are often either:◦ General

Taking aspirin daily decreases risk of heart attacks.

◦ Dichotomous If you don’t rent this apartment you won’t find another one with a

better view.

Look to narrow the scope of (qualify) the conclusion.◦ Ask – “Under what conditions is this true or acceptable?”

When? Where? Why?◦ Ask – “What should we do about X issue”