Presenting a Credible Case

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Presenting a Credible Case

• Technical Proofs
• Using experimentation as a basis to test and
  prove scientific facts
• To be a valid test, experimental procedures must
  yield reproducible results
• Mathematical Proofs
• Using math principles to move from a premise to a
  mathematical theorem
• proving a theorem you set out to prove
• No doubt remains as they are established truths
• Less Definite Proofs
• There are other types of evidence used to
  validate conclusions and decisions
• There are forms of argument used to justify
  decisions
• Often needed (in addition to mathematical and
  technical proofs) to present a credible case

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1.0 Evaluative Writing

• Technical documents require substantive
  information and argument so readers accept your
  judgment
• The ability to reach valid conclusions and to
  present them in a convincing way using sufficient
  evidence
• Gathering relevant facts (math or experiment)
• Making sound judgments based on the facts
  (assessment)
• Assessment
• The decision, judgment, conclusion, or
  recommendation made
• Basis
• The basis, grounds, evidence, argument, or logic
  supporting the assessment

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2.0 Claim Structure

• Truth claim
• This is not true because ofbased on
• Value claim
• This is not good because ofbased on
• Comparison claim
• This is better because ofbased on
• ASSESSMENT BASIS

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3.0 Uncertainty

• Lack of knowledge, fact, or other information
  leads to uncertainty in decision making
• Level of uncertainty must be reported using
  writing indefinite signal words or phrases
  e.g.
• Is less than
• Supports (rather than demonstrates)
• Suggests (rather than proves)
• May be (intro, body, conclusion)

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4.0 Levels of Proof

• The more important or costly the decision, the
  greater the level of proof (or basis) that is
  required
• Guilt in parking offense vs. murder charge
• Color of paint for signage vs. approval for final
  design of large construction project
• New product applications
• Writer must choose how much basis is needed to
  convince audience

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5.0 Hard and Soft Evidence

• Hard forms of evidence always lead to the same
  conclusion an are usually sufficient on their own
  to convince an audience
• Soft forms are open to interpretation but can be
  used to adequately support a decision.
• Usually, more sources of soft evidence are
  required.

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5.1 Hard Evidence

• Preferred because they always lead to the same
  conclusion
• Experimental results (standardized tests)
• Mathematical calculations (proofs)
• Computer modeling (using sound data)
• Quoting exact figures
• Statistical evidence
• Expert testimony
• Authoritative sources
• Encycl., books, journal papers, etc.
• Personal credibility and references

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5.2 Soft Evidence

• Used when stronger evidence is not available
• Opinions of knowledgeable sources (indirect
  statements)
• Separate inconclusive observations can combine to
  justify a single conclusion

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6.0 Kinds of Argument

• The basis for some judgments may be difficult to
  articulate or quantify e.g. subjective judgments
  like personal preferences
• Always try to find a way to demonstrate in
  quantitative terms (decision matrix)
• If not, then forms of argument like examples,
  analogies, and comparisons must be used to
  present a credible case

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6.1 Giving Examples

• Relevant, credible examples can provide strong
  evidence to support a conclusion
• Prototype test results
• More is better (3 or 4)
• State the claim
• Cite examples supporting that claim

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6.2 Analogies and Hypothetical Argument

• Analogy
• drawing a comparison in order to show similarity
  between dissimilar things
• e.g. "the operation of a computer is analogous
  to the working of the brain
• Asks audience to understand a generality and
  accept that it applies to a different topic
• Requires trust established through demonstrated
  credibility of author
• Hypothetical
• Form of analogy
• Made-up scenario to illustrate a claim

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6.3 Comparison

• Relative assessment between 2 or more products,
  processes, methods, etc. based on certain
  attributes or criteria
• Select criteria and evaluate each option

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6.4 Formal Logic

• Syllogism-deductive reasoning made up of a major
  premise, minor premise and a conclusion.
• e.g.
• All humans are mortal, major premise
• I am a human, minor premise
• Therefore, I am mortal, conclusion

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7.0 Strategies

• Competing Views
• identify problems with a competing view or
  product
• Promote that your position does not have these
  problems
• Pros and Cons
• Ethically bound to present pros and cons
  supporting assessment in technical writing
• Balanced approach leads to credibility
• Rebuttal with Basis (disagreement)
• State the view
• Deny that it is correct (use strong words thats
  wrong)
• Provide basis to support your claim
• Concession Rebuttal (conceding counterpoints)
• State each counter argument to your claim using
  words like granted to indicated concession
• Rebut by explaining why they do not invalidate
  your claim use words however, but