Weasel Words

[science_spot]

 

Some people say............

Some sources claim.........

They say that...........

Apparently.............

Obviously...........

Experts suggest............

Research has shown..........

 

Have you ever read a post that makes many claims but doesn't support any of it with references?  I know I have.  I have probably even written a few where I have been too lazy to provide the references.  Well without references, any information posted is reduced to being only someone's opinion.  Opinions don't make good science.  Everyone has a right to express their opinion, but it doesn't make it a fact!  MommytoIreland posted a nice video talking about this.

The short phrases I listed at the opening of this post actually have a catchy name. They are called weasel words, and since I learned this from Wikipedia just yesterday, I'll quote them directly:

Weasel words are words or phrases that seemingly support statements without attributing opinions to verifiable sources. They give the force of authority to a statement without letting the reader decide whether the source of the opinion is reliable. If a statement can't stand on its own without weasel words, it lacks neutral point of view; either a source for the statement should be found, or the statement should be removed. If a statement can stand without weasel words, they may be undermining its neutrality and the statement may be better off standing without them.

Picture above from coleworld

 

So there is nothing wrong with using these words in a sentence, as long as they are followed by the references you are getting the information from.  But, of course, references are alot of work!! And unfortunately, when you search for references, sometimes you find out you don't have anything good to support your argument.  There's nothing wrong with that - not every hypothesis (or opinion) has the data to back it up.  That doesn't mean it is wrong, it just means you don't have anything to back it up (YET).  But then you must take that hypothesis (or opinion) for what it really is - your best guess.

I have found this out, as I work to provide the stem cell information in my group All About Stem Cells.  It's exhausting to back up every statement with data, or at the minimum, a website written by someone who has the data, or at least a better understanding of the topic.

CafeMom is long on opinions and short on references.  Remember this when you read posts that sound like someone's opinion.  Because there is a good chance it IS someone's OPINION, and should just be taken as such.

My personal challenge is that in my line of work, we use weasel words alot, on purpose.  We call them "soft words", like maybe, could, probably, should, usually, etc.....  My favorite is "depends on how sensitive the cells are", followed closely by "it depends on your unique application".  Fancy words for "I don't know"! 

 

Tonya

AKA sunmoonstars

The Science Spot

 

 

[Goodwoman614]

Apr. 7, 2009 at 9:43 AM

Too bad an innocent animal has to be associated with this, lol.

Yep, this is what passes for journalism these days, too.  It's why I no longer subscribe to Newsweek.  It had just gotten too much like Weasel Week, lol.

[Lindalu2]

Apr. 7, 2009 at 12:21 PM

Good point. There are a lot of posts with "weasel Words". Also, I just read a journal on CM about checking the validity of statements at SNOPES. Either way, sources are needed and rumors in e-mails should be verified. GOOD subject-thanks!

[Jeangenie]

Apr. 7, 2009 at 6:19 PM

This post is great, and everyone on CM should read it!  Especially the debaters!

[logansmomma2007]

Apr. 8, 2009 at 5:33 PM

You are too smart for your own good.  I always ♥ your posts.  I think I shall make friends with the Science Spot. 

This line is so true - CafeMom is long on opinions and short on references.