Researching Opposing Viewpoints

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Researching Opposing Viewpoints
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Where do you begin research for this essay? 
Well, when I developed it, I was surprised to
find out that there are two online databases that
will probably have everything you need for this
project.  

• They are
• Opposing Viewpoints and
• CQ Researcher.   
• The following is a brief tutorial and some
  information on finding your research.

Click to continue
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 Using EPCC's Online DatabasesTo access the
EPCC Library go to http//www.epcc.edu/Library/li
brary.htm  When you get there it will look like
this
Click to continue
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To get to the online databases click on. . .yeah,
you guessed it, Online Databases. When you get
there it will look like this
Click to continue
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• I suggest you click on Alphabetical list of
  Databases.  That way you can go directly to the
  databases you want.  We'll be working with two of
  them, which I accessed through going to
  "Alphabetical List of Databases.
• If you use the databases from a computer NOT on
  campus, make sure and click on "OFF CAMPUS
  ACCESS" at the end of the database listing,
  otherwise you will not be able to access the
  sites.  You will then need to enter your name as
  it appears on your registration documents and
  your social security number. 

Click to continue
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Let's start with CQ Researcher. When you get
there, it will look like this
In the "Quick Search" box, you can enter your
topic.  Let's try this with "high school." 
Click to continue
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When I typed in "high school" I found a lot of
possibilities, but one piqued my interest
Teaching Values.
  Once I click on that, I get the full report
from the CQ Researcher. 
Click to continue
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The top of that report looks like this

• Here are the key things to notice
• The Abstract is a short summary
• Both the Overview and Background will give you a
  good review of the topic
• The Current Situation discusses issues that are
  in the news at the time of publication.
• The Outlook discusses possible future trends for
  the Topic.
• The Special Focus tab will focus on a specific
  idea in the subject.
• The Chronology lists key dates related to the
  issue
• The Pro/Con gives two points of view on a
  specific question in the issue.  It is the most
  important part in this research project as it
  supplies us with all our needs in one fail swoop.

Click to continue
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Let's look at a Pro/Con section from CQ
Researcher.
You can see that this gives us a specific
question and then provides a YES point of view
and a NO point of view.  That will serve as basis
for the first part of your essay that should
discuss both sides of the issue.
Click to continue
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Many libraries have the Opposing Viewpoints
series books, so, don't forget to talk to your
librarian.The Opposing Viewpoints Database
operates on much of the same premises, and I'm
going to skim through it only commenting on
specific things to look forFrom the EPCC
database page (http//www.epcc.edu/library/elecalp
h.htm) click on
Opposing Viewpoints Database
Click to continue
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The front page looks like this 
Notice that it does supply a list you can choose
from, or you can search in the search box.  Let's
search "high school" again.
Click to continue
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On the left, Opposing Viewpoints breaks it down a
bit more.  In Opposing Viewpoints, you can search
through the essays you've found and should find
companion viewpoint essays.  For example, in the
screen above you'll see the article "Antidrug
Media Campaigns Should be Reevaluated"  on the
next page there is an article entitled "The DARE
Program is Effective."  Though these are not set
up in the yes/no dichotomy, you can see that they
are companion articles, one looking at one side
of an issue, and the other looking at the other.
Click to continue
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In sum

• The Online databases at the EPCC library have two
  resources that will really help you with this
  essay  CQ Researcher and Opposing Viewpoints
• Access the EPCC library at http//www.epcc.edu/Li
  brary/library.htm
• Use the databases to find two points of view on
  your issue, one for and one against. 
• Use the articles to complete your blue book
  assignments
• Use theses articles as you draft your essay. 
  Make sure you carefully read the essay assignment
• Ask me questions if you have them.

The end. -)