External evidence is a term used in research and academic writing to refer to evidence or sources that are outside of the researcher's own work, such as documents, artefacts, or observations. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word is /ɪkˈstɜː.nəl ˈɛvɪdəns/, which indicates that the word is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, with the vowel sound in "e" as in "egg," and with the final "s" in "evidence" pronounced as a "z" sound. Proper spelling of this term is important in order to accurately convey research findings and sources.
External evidence refers to information or data that is obtained from sources outside of the subject or topic being investigated. It is a form of evidence that is derived from sources other than personal beliefs, opinions, or subjective observations. External evidence is often utilized in various fields such as research, history, law, and medicine to support or validate claims, theories, arguments, or hypotheses.
Examples of external evidence include primary and secondary sources such as historical documents, scholarly articles, books, scientific studies, observational data, statistical data, expert testimonies, witness accounts, photographs, videos, and audio recordings. These sources provide objective information that can be analyzed and interpreted to draw conclusions or make informed judgments.
In research, external evidence is crucial for establishing the credibility and reliability of findings. It allows researchers to situate their work within the existing body of knowledge, compare results, and build upon previous studies. In legal proceedings, external evidence can be presented to support or refute claims made by the prosecution or defense. In medicine, external evidence is used to inform medical decisions and treatment guidelines, drawing upon comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses that summarize the findings of multiple studies.
External evidence is highly valued as it promotes objectivity and minimizes bias when evaluating or exploring a particular subject matter. By relying on external evidence, individuals can ensure that their assertions are grounded in facts rather than personal biases, emotions, or prejudices.
The word "external" comes from the Latin word "externus", meaning "outward" or "beyond". It originated from the combination of the prefix "ex-" (meaning "outward") and "turnus" (meaning "direction" or "orientation"). "Externus" eventually evolved into the Old French word "externe" and then entered Middle English as "external".
The word "evidence" originates from the Latin word "evidentia", which signifies "proof" or "manifestation". It derives from the combination of the prefix "e-" (meaning "out of" or "from") and "videre" (meaning "to see"). This evolution led to the Old French term "evidence", which subsequently entered Middle English as "evidence" with the same meaning.
Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "external evidence" can be traced back to Latin, French, and English roots.