Evidence
Abstract
Evidence plays a central role in persuasive communication. In this chapter, we discuss conceptual and theoretical issues around the study of evidence, provide a definition of evidence, and list types of evidence. Then we discuss narrative, statistical, and causal evidence, presenting meta-analyses, reviews, and/or experimental studies of these evidence types. We also review research that compares and combines evidence types. The chapter concludes with limitations and directions for future research on evidence, calling for a greater focus on this element in a “post-truth” world.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Linguistics and Discourse Analysis
Psychology of Social Influence
Media Influence and Health
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 74–92
- Publication date
- 3 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter