Final answer:
When analyzing the factual accuracy of a business message, the key question to ask is whether the information is supported by evidence, distinguishing between verifiable facts, inferences, and opinions, and considering the credibility of the sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
When applying the fair test to a business message to analyze its factual accuracy, one is likely to ask: Is the information supported by evidence? This question is essential as it ensures that the presented facts and the basis of the message are verifiable and reliable. An important aspect of evaluating the factual accuracy of a business message is determining if the information is indeed empirical, meaning it can be checked against reality and if the inferences made in the message are justified based on these facts.
Moreover, it is crucial to differentiate between factual statements, inferences drawn from these facts, and purely opinion-based statements. A fact in this context is information that can be proven to be true or false, an inference is a logical interpretation of these facts, and an opinion is a belief that may or may not be based on facts. Strong arguments in a business message rely on facts supported by evidence, and while inferences and opinions have their place, they should be distinguished and not presented as facts themselves.
Additionally, when evaluating the sources of information, one must consider the expertise of the person providing the information, whether there is a consensus among experts, if there are potential biases, if the testimonies align with the consensus among experts, and whether the message is consistent with evidence from other reliable sources. These aspects help to determine if the business message passes the fair test by being accurate, unbiased, and logically sound.