COMS 102: Chapter 8

What is statistics?

Numerical Data

What is peer testimony?

testimony from ordinary people with firsthand experience or insight on a topic

What is an expert testimony?

testimony from people who are recognized experts in their fields

What is a direct quotation?

testimony that is presented word for word

What is supporting materials?

the materials used to support a speaker's ideas. The three major kinds of supporting materials are examples, statistics, and testimony

What is the median?

the middle number in a group of numbers arranged from highest to lowest

What is the mode?

the number that occurs most often

What is a paraphrase?

to restate or summarize an author's ideas in one's own words

What is testimony?

quotations or paraphrases used to support a point

What is quoting out of context?

quoting a statement in such a way as to distort its meaning by removing the statement from the words and phrases surrounding it

When should you use a paraphrase over direct quotation?

When words are cumbersome or confusing and when quotations are over 2 to 3 sentences.

What is a brief example?

a specific case referred to in passing to illustrate a point

What is an example?

a specific case used to illustrate or represent a group of people, ideas, conditions, experiences, or the like

What is an extended example?

a story, narrative, or anecdote developed at some length to illustrate a point

What is a hypothetical example?

an example that describes an imaginary or fictitious situation

What is the mean?

the average value of a group of numbers