ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the nature of the evidentiary relation and the function of evidence. Toulmin's model puts the functions of evidence in sharp relief, and thus serves to clear up a persistent and prevalent misunderstanding about the function of evidence found in educational evidence-based practice (EBP) literature. The term EBP indicates an understanding of the relation between evidence and practice as direct. The word based in EBP clearly suggests that evidence serves as a foundation for claim C, whether C is in the shape of a belief, a hypothesis, or a decision about what to do. In some sense or other, Data (D) does comprise information or evidence that provides a basis for C, at least in the loose sense that C is somehow inspired by it. Finally, the chapter explores a different function for research evidence, namely as backing B.
