Overview notes for Essay#6 May 24: too quick to assume most recent evidence is strongest?

Understand the Key Terms

1. Clarify 'Strength': Examine the term 'strongest' and explore what it might mean in different areas of knowledge. Are we discussing validity, reliability, or other criteria? 

2. Remember that the focus of the essay is on the consequences (both positive & negative) of being too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is the strongest.

Structure and Scope

3. Choose Areas of Knowledge: Decide on which areas of knowledge to focus on in addition to natural sciences, maybe consider the arts. Each AoK offers unique perspectives on the nature of 'strong' evidence.

4. Acknowledge the Assumption: Note that the essay question contains an assumption that the most recent evidence is often considered the strongest. Is this assumption universal or specific to certain domains?

Natural Sciences

5. Role of Technology: In the natural sciences, technology can play a significant role in acquiring new evidence. Does the recentness of the evidence make it stronger because it's enabled by newer, possibly better, technology?

6. Dominant Paradigms: Does new evidence strengthen or weaken existing scientific paradigms? Evidence that aligns with well-established views may be more readily accepted. The paradigm within which we operate may affect the speed and validity of the assumptions that we make about evidence.

Arts

7. Nature of Evidence in Arts: Understand that 'evidence' in the arts might not be as straightforward as in natural sciences. Is it the work itself, the reception, or both? How does this affect the consequences of making a fast assumption about the strength of the evidence ?

8. Cultural Shifts: Consider how shifts in artistic styles and norms can offer counter-arguments. For example, revolutionary moments in art genres can become dominant very quickly, suggesting newness can be powerful. Does such a fast shift mean that quick assumptions about the strength of evidence are valid ?

Cognitive Biases

9. Confirmation Bias: Keep in mind the role of confirmation bias. Are we more likely to accept new evidence that aligns with our existing beliefs?

10. File Drawer Problem: Be aware of the tendency to ignore a bulk of evidence that supports a known fact, while focusing on the single new piece of evidence that suggests something different.

Source and Process

11. Evaluate the Origin: Consider who produced the evidence and the methodology used. High-status knowledge producers may generate 'stronger' evidence. The source of the evidence may affect the consequences of making a fast assumption about the strength of the evidence.

12. Funding and Motivation: Recognise that research in natural sciences is often influenced by funding, which can skew the types of evidence considered to be 'strong'.

Conclusions

13. Complexity and Nuance: Recognise that the issue is complex. Whether new evidence is 'stronger' may depend on a host of factors including the area of knowledge, methodology, and social factors like status and funding. As such the consequences of making a fast assumption about the strength of the evidence will vary.

By incorporating these guidelines, one can offer a nuanced discussion that spans multiple areas of knowledge, exploring the complexities involved in evaluating the strength of 'new' versus 'old' evidence.

If you want to know more for essay 6 (or any of the other May 24 Essays), if you want detailed guidance notes then click here . These guidance notes give you knowledge arguments, counter arguments,  real world examples, evaluation points and implications.