Which of the following is an appropriate example of credible evidence?

• A. An anecdote with no data.
• B. A statistic from a peer-reviewed study.
• C. A rumor found on social media.
• D. A personal opinion.

Answer: (B)

When evaluating evidence, credibility comes from data that can be examined and sources that have been checked by experts. A statistic from a peer-reviewed study is the strongest example because it comes from systematic research that has been evaluated by other scientists before publication. Such studies usually describe how participants were chosen, how data were collected and analyzed, and the exact results, including sample size and uncertainty. This transparency and the oversight of peer review help ensure the findings are reliable and relevant, while also allowing others to replicate or scrutinize the work.

An anecdote with no data isn’t generalizable and can’t show broader patterns. A rumor on social media is unverified and prone to misinformation. A personal opinion reflects a belief, not evidence that can be tested or evaluated.

So the statistic from a peer-reviewed study best represents credible evidence among these options.