Set 1 of Components
The components of knowledge, information, evidence, proof, and expertise overlap in the field of audiology quite a bit. Information, in the field of audiology, is the compilation of descriptions of phenomenon supported by evidential data taken from research that is in the process of being proven or disproven. Information is generally shared in journals, reports, and academic essays so that it can circulate throughout the community so that more experimentation and research can be done on these topics. An example of this can be seen in a journal article, Effects of Noise and Exercise on Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions. In the article, research was explained and the data collected was provided. The data, as it was collected became knowledge to the researchers, then as it was shared in an audiological journal, became information to people who accessed that data. Examples of specific data can range from qualitative to quantitative in the field of research audiology. Images of data collection samples in this journal article are included below in figures 1 and 2 (Engdahl). As this additional research is conducted, old information is either supported when similar data is compiled, or criticized if more reliable data is compiled in opposition that previously published information. This data is referred to as proof. Proof is called evidence. Evidence is simply data that is collected while conducting research. Proof simply implies that it substantiates a notion made in an argument, moving that argument closer toward becoming information. As seen in the discussion section of the article, Effects of Noise and Exercise on Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions, proof and evidence can also suggest that the argument being made during the research process neither supports or disproves information (Engdahl). This does not imitate the information from this research. It may simply suggest that there is no correlation, causation, or relationship of any kind and a different approach should be taken. Nullified information is important to the community because it keeps other researchers with similar interests from making the same mistakes. Knowledge in the field of audiology is the practical way of taking information to apply concepts to nuanced, ambiguous, and uncharted areas of interest to conduct novel research. This includes being able to recall, identify, and explain information with logic, other substantial information (Figure 3 shows a novel experiment in research audiology). Knowledge can be seen in the journal article because novel topics were being discussed, previous information is used as support in such a way that the audience must be well versed in the subject matter, and it takes data and explains it. The fact that data presentation is not the final stage in the article is what makes it not only a display of information, but also knowledge. The final explanation of the data is the best demonstration of researchers ability to break novel information down based on their skillets and application abilities (Engdahl). The link below will take you to a free version of this article if you wish to see more examples of how knowledge is displayed. Finally, expertise in the field relates to someone who uses their knowledge and skillset to research, study, or experiment very specific audiological problems. Application of skills and knowledge is key under this component. Being able to interpret information using one’s knowledge is a demonstration of expertise. The specified fields under which audiologists work is considered their expertise because their knowledge on these topics is advanced. This can be seen in the article, Hearing Preservation After Middle Fossa Vestibular Schwannoma Removal: Are the Results Durable?, in the Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery journal published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology Foundation. Though this is a journal for ear, nose, and throat doctors, you find the expertise of research audiologists present. The vestibular Schwannoma helps in the hearing and balance processes, therefore, this other field has sought the expertise of audiologists so that their knowledge can help solve a related problem (Quist). A free version of this journal article can be found in the link on the right, below.