Facts and Opinions

Rather than "belief," academic studies use the term "opinion."

Opinion: a belief not based on absolute certainty or positive knowledge but on what seems true, valid, or probable to one's own mind. Opinion applies to a conclusion or judgment which, while it remains open to dispute, seems true or probably to one's own mind.

The term "opinion" seems more accurate because it reflects this nature of "proof" and accuracy. It leaves open the possibility that the solution or judgment is not completely true, just probably true, based on the best evidence that can be found at the present time.

It also takes into consideration the reality that individuals with differing levels of knowledge on a topic may have different opinions about it. In effect, what may be a mystery to one, may be a problem to another, may have a solution to someone else.