Which statement best describes the role of data in evaluating a conclusion?

• A. Data must be colorful and memorable.
• B. Data alone prove the conclusion without warrant.
• C. Data should be interpreted without considering context.
• D. A claim requires data, but warrants and alternative explanations should be evaluated to confirm that data support the conclusion.

Answer: (D)

When evaluating a conclusion, understand how data function as evidence. Data point you toward a claim, but there must be a justified link between that evidence and the claim—that link is the warrant. You also need to consider alternative explanations and possible limitations to confirm that the data actually support the conclusion. Data by itself rarely prove something definitively; the context, study design, sample quality, and potential biases shape how much weight the data carry. So the strongest statement recognizes that a claim requires data, but that warrants and alternative explanations must be evaluated to be sure the data support the conclusion. For example, if results show improvement, you should check whether the study controlled for other factors, whether the sample represents the relevant group, and whether any other explanations could account for the change. Only after weighing warrants and alternatives can we trust that the data genuinely back the conclusion.