Pro/Con Resources for Argumentative Topics Jane Long MLIS, University of Oklahoma MA, Wright State University Reference Services Librarian Al Harris Library

Pew Research Center Pew Research Center Where Do You Fit ?

Potential Topics Based on Current Issues in the News Why should I care about the environment? What is happening with health care reform? Why are U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan? If flu-like illnesses are prevalent, who should be vaccinated?vaccinated Is the American economy improving?

Pro/Con Green: Yes or No?

Where do I start? –TOPICsearch –Pro/Con Resources Contemporary Issues Opposing Viewpoints Reference Shelf Taking Sides –Pro/Con Resources CQ Researcher Issues and Controversies Points of View Reference Center

Helpful Keywords to Use Issue Controversy Statistic Ethical Rights Debate Attitude Trend Condition Examples: Rights and poverty death penalty and Controversy household spending and Statistics

TOPICsearch An Ebsco product Use Limiters to Narrow Search Example: Environment –Current Events –Full Text –Topics –Document Type

Pro/Con Resources Book Series –Contemporary Issues –Opposing Viewpoints –Reference Shelf –Taking Sides

Pro/Con Resources CQ Researcher contains information on current and controversial issues concentric to the U.S. Government Points of View Reference Center provides a variety of essays presenting multiple sides of a current issue Issues and Controversies provides up-to-date, objective information on the most prominent and hotly debated issues of the day

Argumentative Information Identify your topic State the position you will support Highlight points of your discussion Use information to support your position –Pro/Con Materials –Opinion Polls –Statistics

Which sounds better? Oil over $100 is cause for concern. Harvard economists believe oil over $100 is cause for concern. –A COLLECTIVE OPINION IS STRONGER THAN A SINGLE OPINION

Opinion or Fact? Whales are mammals. Whales are superior to dolphins. Stephen King is talented. Stephen King is a prolific writer. Abraham Lincoln was the best president the United States has ever had. John Adams was the second president of the United States.

Opinions vs. Facts Pros (Strengths) –A consensus of opinions are much stronger than a single opinion –Reflects the culture and society that experience these issues and events (primary resource) Cons (Weaknesses) –Less concrete –A view formed by someone’s belief which can be biased –Not necessarily the truth –Opinions can differ widely Pros (Strengths) –Very concrete –Based in scientific/research methodology –Data supports arguments –Statistics helps determine the accuracy of information in the evaluation process Cons (Weaknesses) –Data can be manipulated –Unless data collection is a regular practice, data can become outdated and irrelevant

Which sounds better? A lot of freshman drop out of SWOSU each academic year. 40% of freshman drop out of SWOSU each academic year. –NUMBERS CARRY WEIGHT, PEOPLE ARE INFLUENCED BY STATISTICS

Opinion Resources Editorials on File –Ref Ed48 Gallup Poll –Ref G13g – –an organization studying human nature and behavior for more than 70 years through public surveys –collects attitudes and opinions of individuals and key groups within the American population concerning national and international issues and events

Statistical Resources –American Attitudes M6958a 2000 –Americans at Play W462a –Education Statistics of the United States Ed836 –Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics B –Statistical Handbook on the American Family St –World Almanac W89

Statistical Resources Government Information –Provides statistical information directly from the U.S. Government and the agencies who collect the data. –Google U.S. Government Search

Online Surveys & Reports Pew Research Center (Main Site) – Pew Global Attitudes Project – Pew Internet & American Life Project – Pew Hispanic Center – Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life –

World Wide Web: Resources CNN Special Reports Includes facts, statistics, interviews of supporters and opponents, and much more on key issues. The site maintains an archive going back to National Center for Policy Analysis NCPA is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy research organization whose goal is to develop and promote private alternatives to government regulation and control, solving problems by relying on the strength of the competitive, entrepreneurial private sector. SpeakOut.com Provides issues arranged by topic categories. The site is devoted to promoting activism in a variety of areas.

Ready to Select a Topic?

Exercise: Argumentative Resources Worksheet Topic: Environmental Concerns Locations around the world are considering the significance of recycling and the importance of conservation. Greening brings about the need for many changes in the way things are done. Is it necessary? Question: What can communities do to protect their natural resources? Is living green necessary?

Questions? Contact me: –Jane Long

Thanks!