Facts and Opinions
Table of Contents
Telling the Difference between Facts and Opinions #
Recognizing the difference between facts and opinions is an important part of reducing distorted negative thinking. Facts are true and can be proven, while opinions are what we think or feel about a situation. Being able to recognize what is objectively true allows us to take on perspectives that are more realistic and balanced.
Here’s a simple guide with tips and examples to help you tell facts from opinions.
Focus on verifiable information #
Facts can be checked and proven by others. Opinions are personal and cannot be proven right or wrong. When looking at a situation, focus on the information that can be verified.
- Fact: “It rained yesterday.”
- Opinion: “Rainy days are depressing.”
Look for concrete details #
Facts often include specific details, like numbers, dates, or names. Opinions are usually more general and may involve personal feelings or thoughts.
- Fact: “I completed five tasks at work today.”
- Opinion: “I didn’t do enough work today.”
Be aware of emotional language #
Opinions often include emotional words or phrases, while facts are more neutral. Pay attention to the language being used to help you determine if it’s a fact or an opinion.
- Fact: “The temperature outside is 90 degrees Fahrenheit.”
- Opinion: “It’s unbearably hot outside.”
Separate actions from interpretations #
Facts describe actions or events, while opinions interpret those actions or events. When examining a situation, focus on what happened rather than how it was interpreted.
- Fact: “My friend didn’t text me back.”
- Opinion: “My friend is ignoring me.”
Look for absolutes or qualifiers #
Opinions often contain absolutes (e.g., “always,” “never”) or qualifiers (e.g., “probably,” “might”). Facts are typically straightforward and don’t use these words.
- Fact: “There were 50 people at the party.”
- Opinion: “There were too many people at the party.”
Check for personal beliefs or values #
Opinions are often based on personal beliefs or values, while facts are objective and don’t rely on individual perspectives.
- Fact: “The concert starts at 8 p.m.”
- Opinion: “The concert will be amazing.”
Remember, learning to tell facts from opinions can help you better understand situations and improve your ability to reduce distorted negative thinking. Practice these tips to get better at identifying the difference between the two.
Identifying Facts vs Opinions #
Use these questions to identify if a statement is a fact or an opinion:
- Can I prove the statement right or wrong?
- Is the statement based on what someone feels or thinks?
- Does everyone agree with the statement?
- Can I measure or count what’s in the statement?
- Is the statement about something that will happen later?
- Can I find the statement in a book or reliable source?
- Does the statement change if someone else says it?
- Can I take a picture of what’s in the statement?
- Is the statement always true, no matter what?
- Does the statement tell about how someone feels?