What do we understand as the meaning of 'Evaluating'? The proper definition is "to ascertain the amount or value of something", or "to find numerical expression for something".

In your studies, the ability to evaluate something is given as an example of a higher-order skill. At 'A' Level and beyond, you are rewarded with higher marks for displaying evaluative skills. This is most likely because it is considered to be a strong life-skill to be able to weigh up the value of a thought, action or argument. We exercise our individual intelligence when we make choices on the basis of information that we evaluate.

"A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing." Oscar Wilde

Assessing the value of data will often mean investigating what lies beneath the numbers. Evaluation, therefore, can be thought of as looking at the background to data, understanding its context and throwing light on what it tells us. In the illustration section we look at a topical issue and try to see the 'big picture' behind it.