Question

Why is it important to critically evaluate data when making knowledge claims about social facts?

Answer 1

The society is constantly changing. People are changing, societal habits are changing and the technology advances. So it is really very important to collect, analyse and evaluate data pertaining to the knowledge that one considers before making any conclusions. The data that one analyses should cover all the necessary information needed and not just selective or immediately available information. This data should be compared with previous studies to make sure whatever assumption or knowledge one proposes has vlidity. It is also equally important not to generalize the data unless substantial evidence is available to generalize or universalising the knowledge.
are different types of data available such as cultural, religious and government. The data in these place may contain references to the knowledge facts that you are working on. Abstract knowledge can be passed on without much deliberation but factual knowledge is all about evidence and numbers.