You should use indirect evidence when you

Evidence can be messy.

Indirect evidence is crucial for successful statistical practice.

Because it is a mental construct, it rarely gives us the clear and simple answers that we seek. Sources, by contrast, are physical; we can touch them, see them, smell them, hear them. Information is also physical, visible, audible.

Evidence, however, is intangible.

What is indirect evidence in science

Direct and indirect evidence examples

Indirect evidence examples

Indirect evidence is not less reliable than direct evidence.

Indirect evidence is information that doesn't directly prove something, but can be used to make an educated guess or inference.

It’s only what we think certain information means. That’s all it can be―until we make something concrete from it by processing it and molding it into a meaningful and convincing form.

How do we do that?

Step One: Understand the Various Types of Evidence

Creating substance from the evidence we perceive, but others may not, requires us to understand the nature of evidence.

At its core, evidence comes in three basic types: direct, indirect, and negative—the latter two being sometimes lumped together under the catchall label circumstantial. All three basic types can be used alone or in combination to provide “proof” of an identity, a kinship, a circumstance, or any other point critical to our research.

Direct Evid

evidence shouldnt be optional