What is Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER)?
Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) is a framework, that’s utilized in the amounts of fields, including science and writing, to support and strengthen arguments. It provides a structured approach to presenting ideas and supporting them with evidence and reasoning. By following the CER model, individuals can effectively communicate their claims and convince others of their validity. There is nothing bad to say that, this concept is mostly approached by students.
The Components of CER
1. Claim: The claim is the main argument or statement that you want to make. It should be clear, concise, and specific. A strong claim is supported by evidence and reasoning.
2. Evidence: Evidence is the information or data that supports your claim. It can be in the form of facts, statistics, research findings, or examples. The evidence should be reliable, relevant, and directly related to the claim.
3. Reasoning: Reasoning is the logical explanation or interpretation of the evidence. It explains why the evidence supports the claim and how the two are connected. Reasoning helps to bridge the gap between the evidence and the claim, making the argument more convincing.
(CER)Claim Evidence Reasoning Example
Let’s assume you want to claim that “Regular exercise improves mental health.” Here’s how we can use the CER framework to support this claim:
Claim: Regular exercise improves mental health.
Evidence: Numerous studies have shown a positive correlation between regular exercise and improved mental health. For example, a study published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience found that individuals who engaged in regular physical activity experienced reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, a meta-analysis including several trials concluded that exercise can be a useful therapy for light to moderate depression.
Reasoning: Exercise has several physiological and psychological benefits that contribute to improved mental health. According to Google, when we exercise our bodies release endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. These endorphins help to decrease the level of stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Furthermore, regular exercise can increase self-esteem and self-confidence, as individuals feel a sense of accomplishment and progress in their fitness journey.
The Importance of CER
The CER framework is valuable for several reasons:
1. Clear Communication: By using CER, individuals can present their arguments in a clear and organized manner. This makes it easier for others to understand and evaluate the claims being made.
2. Supporting Claims: CER ensures that claims are supported by evidence and reasoning, making them more persuasive and credible. It prevents individuals from making unsupported or baseless assertions.
3. Critical Thinking: CER encourages critical thinking skills by requiring individuals to analyze and evaluate evidence before making a claim. It promotes logical reasoning and helps individuals develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Applying CER in Various Fields
CER is not limited to scientific or academic writing. It can be applied in various fields and contexts:
1. Science: In scientific research, CER is used to present hypotheses and support them with experimental data and logical reasoning.
2. Debates and Discussions: CER can be used in debates or discussions to present arguments and counterarguments, providing a structured approach to persuasive communication.
3. Legal Proceedings: Lawyers often use CER to build their cases by presenting claims, supporting evidence, and logical reasoning to convince the jury or judge.
Conclusion
The Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework is a powerful tool for presenting and supporting arguments. By structuring your ideas in this format, you can effectively communicate your claims, back them up with evidence, and provide logical reasoning. Whether you’re writing a scientific paper, participating in a debate, or presenting a legal case, CER can help you make a compelling and convincing argument.
