Which statement best distinguishes fact from opinion in research?

• A. A fact is a verifiable truth, while an opinion is a personal belief not necessarily based on proof
• B. A fact is always opinion
• C. Facts are beliefs, opinions are data
• D. Facts and opinions are the same

Answer: (A)

In research, you distinguish fact from opinion by focusing on what can be verified through evidence. A fact is a verifiable truth: it can be measured, observed, and supported by data or reproducible results. An opinion, on the other hand, is a personal belief or judgment that may reflect interpretation, preferences, or values and isn’t guaranteed by proof alone.

This makes the chosen statement the best one because it cleanly separates objective verification from subjective belief: facts are verifiable truths, while opinions are personal beliefs not necessarily based on proof. In practice, researchers ground conclusions in verifiable data and measurements, and they clearly label interpretations or judgments as opinions or hypotheses that require further testing.

Other statements fail because they mix up the relationship: facts are not beliefs, and opinions are not data; facts and opinions are not the same.