Evaluating evidence?

[Mendedex]

Do we have to evaluate evidence in the new study design? I can't seem to find anything about evaluating evidence in the study design? And we weren't taught it either, were you guys taught it?

[Riley5]

I don't believe we've learnt "Evaluating Evidence", but if you expand on what it involves I may be able to offer more insight.

[Mendedex]

I don't believe we've learnt "Evaluating Evidence", but if you expand on what it involves I may be able to offer more insight.

If you have a look at the 2009 media exam, section c question 4, they ask you evaluate the arguments and evidence. Basically asking you to state whether the evidence is reliable or not. 

[Riley5]

"Evaluate the arguments and evidence that have been used to support  one of the communication theories and/or models"

Hmmm... I understand the idea of refering to the arguments and evidence, but I'm stumped on what you'd have to do to "evaluate". But no, I don't believe my media class has learnt that, but it may no longer be part of the study design.

[cassettekid]

I'm not sure if it is part of the study design but my class looked at it..
We learnt that you just say why certain evidence might not be 100% credible. Use the case study of War of the Worlds as an example - many people link it to Hypodermic theory but only a small percentage of people actually were hysterical after hearing the broadcast. Thus, the evidence doesn't truly reflect the theory that everyone is passive & reacts the exact same way.

I'm not sure if we will be asked a question like that though... I'm a bit nervous about what to expect from the new study design.

Edit: Actually reading that back I don't think I was objective enough in what I said.. I don't think you're really meant to take a side, you just have to look at your evidence and suggest why it could be flawed.

[Wu]

You can either relate the theories to the research methods or the strengths and criticisms.

For example, if you were to use the 1960 Bobo doll experiment to support the hypodermic/bullet theory, it would be wise to note that this experiment is conducted through laboratory research which generally gives unreliable results because the environment where it took place is fabricated and controlled by the person conducting the research.