Thinking Tools
Evidence rarely arrives already arranged as an argument. People select, interpret, compare, and infer—and mistakes become easier to catch when those moves have names. These guides slow the leap between seeing something and announcing what it means, without pretending thought can be replaced by a color-coded box.
How to Evaluate an Argument Step by Step
Identify the conclusion, list the reasons offered for it, and check both those reasons and the connection between them. Make any added assumption explicit.
How to Evaluate Source Credibility
To evaluate source credibility, first state the exact claim and its stakes. Identify the creator, publisher, source type, date, purpose, and relevant access.
Observation vs Inference vs Assumption
An observation records what was directly noticed, measured, or documented under stated conditions.