Evidence & Everyday Decisions
Information is everywhere. This course helps learners slow down, ask better questions, and decide what would make a claim more trustworthy.
The course
Clear concepts. Practical use.
Evidence & Everyday Decisions is a practical introduction to scientific and information literacy. It separates observation from interpretation, shows how sources and measurements work, and helps learners make room for uncertainty without becoming cynical or stuck.
The ability to assess evidence matters in science, health, farming, finance, history, and daily life. It is a shared skill that helps people protect their time, attention, and resources.
The learning route
Build understanding, then use it.
Each module moves from a core concept to an activity that can be tried in everyday life, a classroom, or a community learning group.
- 01
Name what is being claimed
Learn to identify the exact claim beneath a headline, video, conversation, or advertisement—and distinguish it from the emotion surrounding it.
Try itChoose one claim you encounter today. Rewrite it in one neutral sentence, then list what would count as evidence for or against it.
- 02
Get close to the source
Explore the difference between a firsthand source, a summary, an opinion, and a measurement—and why the original context matters.
Try itFollow one shared fact back to its closest available source. Notice what details became clearer, weaker, or missing along the way.
- 03
Compare before you conclude
Use comparisons, context, and basic questions about sample size or conditions before treating one story or number as a complete answer.
Try itFind one number in a news item or post. Ask: compared with what, over what time period, and for whom?
- 04
Make uncertainty useful
Practice holding a conclusion provisionally: strong enough to guide a next step, open enough to change when better evidence appears.
Try itUse the phrase “what I know so far is…” once this week. Add one question that would help you know more.
Open courseware
This course is free for every learner.
Use the learning route now, then return as we add fuller readings, printable activities, facilitator notes, and self-checks—without closing the door behind a paywall.
The expanded free version will add source-evaluation worksheets, short case studies, and self-check questions.