Hierarchy of Epistemic Certainty - NEVER answer a closed question.

[4DQSAR]

• Level 1: Tentative Conclusions (Most Preferred): Uses verbs like suggest, indicate, seem, appear, tend to, might, could, may.
  • Example: "The data suggests a link between X and Y.
• Level 2: Limiting Constraints: Uses adverbs to specify conditions (generally, usually, frequently, typically).
  • Example: "This phenomenon generally occurs in low-income populations."
• Level 3: Epistemic Distancing/Attribution: Uses phrasing that attributes the claim to a source, removing the author's direct responsibility for the fact (According to..., Studies have shown..., It has been argued...).
  • Example: "Based on preliminary studies, the vaccine is effective."
• Level 4: Modalized Assertions: Uses phrases expressing probability (it is probable/possible/likely that...).
  • Example: "It is likely that the result was influenced by..."
• Level 5: Absolute Statements (Dispreferred): Verbs like proves, proves, is, always, never.
  • Note: Avoided as they make the writer appear overconfident and immature, leading to a lack of credibility.