Question

Directions: Please read the following real news examples. Decide which words to highlight as the Claim. Evidence, and Reasoning. Then determine if the statement is trustworthy or not.

Face coverings can mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by reducing the expulsion of droplets containing the virus. This fact has been known. Recent evidence suggests that infectious individuals may expel particles even smaller than droplets that contain the virus and may remain suspended in the air. Face coverings are less likely to disrupt this pathway of transmission. "We analyzed smart device location data from before and after mask orders were implemented across the country and found that people spent more time outside their homes in response to mask orders. We interpret this finding as evidence that people perceived social interaction to be safer because mask-wearing was required. We highlight the need to continue emphasizing the importance of all protective behaviours, even when others are wearing face coverings. Our results should not be interpreted as a critique of mask orders, but rather as an indicator of the challenges of communicating public health messaging during a pandemic with rapidly evolving information."
- Jude Bayham, PhD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University (source)
a) In the statement above, highlight the Claim. Evidence, and Reasoning.

Answer 1

The statement about face coverings' efficacy in reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission is trustworthy. It includes a clear Claim, evidence from a study analyzing smart device location data, and Reasoning linking people's behavior to perceptions of safety with mask mandates.

Step-by-step explanation:

When analyzing the provided statement, the identification of Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning is imperative in determining its trustworthiness. The Claim is the assertion that face coverings can mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The Evidence is the research findings indicating that mask orders influence people's behavior, leading to increased time spent outside their homes. Lastly, the Reasoning connects the evidence to the claim, suggesting that people believed social interactions were safer with mandated mask-wearing.The statement can be interpreted as trustworthy because it is supported by data from a study conducted by an academic source and adheres to scientific understanding. The main answer is that face coverings are effective in reducing the spread of the virus, and this is supported by mobile device location data.Conclusion It is essential to continue promoting all protective measures, even when mask-wearing is prevalent. The findings should not be seen as a critique of mask mandates but rather highlight communication challenges in public health during an evolving pandemic situation.