Argumentation & Evaluation Guide

C Bulgren revised 10/1//2008

Name: _____________________________________Class: _____________________________________Date: _____________________________________

Topic__Autism_Title_Science disputes autism’s diet link _Source_Hayley Mick: Monday’s Globe and Mail

5/8/07________________________________________________

7

Accept, reject, or withhold judgment about the claim. Explain your judgment.

1 What is the Claim, including any Qualifiers? Are there qualifiers? Yes/No. (If yes, underline them.)

2 What Evidence is presented? In column 3, identify the type of evidence with the letter: Data (D), Fact (F), Opinion (O), Theory (T).

Evaluate the quality of the evidence as poor, average or good. Explain your

evaluation. Poor

4

What are your concerns about the believability of the claim? (your counterarguments, rebuttals or new questions)?

36

5

Evaluate the quality of the chain of reasoning as poor, average or good. Explain your evaluation.

What chain of reasoning (warrant) connects the evidence to the claim? In column 6, identify type of reasoning with the letter(s): for AUTHORITY (A), THEORY (T), or type of LOGIC: Analogy (AN), Correlation (C), Cause-Effect (CE), Generalization (G)

8

9

Reliable

Valid

Methodology

Strength of Authority

Application of Theory

Type of LogicObjective (no bias)

Gluten-free, casein-free diet reduces symptoms in autistic children, but there is no scientific proof that this diet works.

“Leaky-gut syndrome”-: undigested bits of protein are absorbed through intestines affecting the brain, producing autism symptoms

O

Fringe group of health professionals (DAN) recommends GFCF diet O

Gluten & casein are not well digested by autistic kids

Multiple anecdotal reports from parents and doctors

Protein compounds wreak havoc with children’s neurologic development

Placebo effect is gigantic (Dr. Buie).

Dairy products have casein and grains have gluten

Doctors & labs profit from selling vitamins and tests.

No, because it is anecdotal and not from research. Yes for double blind study.

Questionable without more scientific studies.

T

F?

TT

F

F

O

Biased, placebo effect, profit for doctors and labs

Poor for anecdotal data. Good for double blind study.

Parents report kids do better with GFCF diet G/A/C?

Leaky-gut syndrome, GFCF not well digested leads to symptoms T

No scientific evidence that diet works CE

Double-blind study finds no effect CE

“Works for my child must work for all” G

40% of autistic children might benefit from dietary changes G

Poor for anecdotal support. Good for scientific studiesPoor, not yet tested enough

Generalization – poor anecdotal evidence

Cause and effect – good controlled study

There needs to be more controlled studies before claim can be supported. I am concerned that there is a strong bias toward the diet that is not supported by research.

Withhold judgment, because research does not support claim.

Evidence continued

• No scientific proof that diet works (mainstream scientists)

• Dr. Buie: some research suggests 40% of children with autism could benefit from dietary change

• Double-blind study in J. of Autism and Dev. Disorder: no sign. improvement.