[the importance of data]

The data presented in a paper provides the backing and supporting evidence for the author’s argument. It helps the reader to understand what the author is trying to present and can help persuade the reader to agree with the argument of the author. It is important to look closely at the data presented because an author would be more likely to include the data which supports them rather than the data which could poke holes in their theories. Another reason would be by looking closely one could observe the methods behind the data, how the data was collected and how this could affect the reliability of the data. Howell and Kintigh would want to be clear about how the data was collected in order to show that the data they present in their paper is reliable and was collected in a manner which demonstrates what is actually present rather than simply what they wanted to support their argument.