Researching for a Debate

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Researching for a Debate
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What is a debate?

• A debate is, simply put, an argument.
• But rather than being a shouting match between
  two sides, a debate has strict rules of conduct,
  utilizing sophisticated techniques.
• You may be put in a position where you must argue
  the opposite of what you believe in. This is an
  important part of the art of debating.

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Exploring the Topic

• Define the topic
• laymans terms
• Be aware of the scope of the debate
• What is included, what is not included
• Get a clear understanding of your position (Pro
  vs. Con)
• If in doubt, ask your learning manager for
  clarification

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Coming up with Keywords
Children
Punish

• Parents
• Families
• Society
• Kids

• Discipline
• Spank
• Time-Out
• Guidance

Google Hint Discipline will search for the
word promotion and its common
synonyms define Discipline will search for
definitions and links
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Brainstorming

• Brainstorm ALL possible arguments for against
  the topic
• Come up with as many arguments as possible to
  support your claim
• Think about possible rebuttal arguments
• Use a concept map and PMI

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Importance of Research

• Arguments will be based on evidence, facts and
  statistics.
• Debater will become familiar with the topic,
  which allows for better flow of ideas and better
  preparation for rebuttal arguments.
• Over-research.
• Use multiple, diverse sources.

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Looking for Information

• Check the library for
• Books
• Periodicals
• Government documents
• Newspapers
• Videos/DVDs
• Human expertise

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Looking for Information

• Check the Internet for
• Online databases
• Current information (online newspapers, articles,
  studies. . .)
• Blogs, Wikis, and websites of concerned
  organizations and societies.

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Searching tips

• Use debate language
• Versus, for against, argument
• Be clear specific
• Correct spelling is important
• Phrase searching
• social promotion
• Leave out and, the, a , of . . .
• Use the wildcard (e.g. child for child,
  children punish for punish, punishing,
  punishment etc.

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Going Beyond Google

• Holland College Library has licensed several
  databases that provide access to full text
  articles and current information (accessible
  from home as well)
• ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)
• Education Research Complete
• Academic Search Elite
• Professional Development Collection
• SOCIndex
• Daily Life Online
• E-STAT (Government Statistics)

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Evaluate your sources

• Think critically about the information you find.
  Remember that your opponent will be as well.
• Ask yourself some of these questions

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Accuracy

• Does the source seem correct? Do you need to
  cross check the information with a second source?
• Is it peer-reviewed?

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Currency

• Is this source up to date? How old is too old?

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Objectivity

• Is this source opinion or fact? Is it
  unnecessarily biased?

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Purpose

• What is the purpose of this source? Is it trying
  to inform, to sell, to promote?

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Authority

• Who is the author / publisher of this source?
• Is she/he a well-known researcher in the field?
  Is the journal accepted as authoritative by
  researchers?

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Get Organized to Debate

• Take lots of notes
• Use index cards or paper that can easily be
  reorganized
• Keep the notes short
• Add personal comments
• Include facts and statistics
• Acknowledge your
• sources for credibility

http//webster.commnet.edu/mla/notes.shtml
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Get Organized to Debate

• Develop a thesis statement to guide your debate
• Formulate a plan for an introduction,
  presentation of evidence and conclusion

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Thesis Statement

• A thesis statement is the basic argument
  advanced by a speaker or writer who then attempts
  to prove it the subject or major argument of a
  speech or composition
• ww2.aps.edu/apsedumain/CurriculumInstruction/
  glossary.htm
• A thesis statement
• states the topic / main idea of the debate
• shows the purpose of the debate
• shows the direction of your argument
• is captivating

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Thesis examples

• It is better to spank children.
• weak example
• Studies have shown that spanking children is an
  effective means of behavioural modification and
  that if used properly, leads to a better
  disciplined and more socially productive adult.
• stronger example

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Introduction

• Your point must have a basic, clear introduction.
• You can open with a general thought or anecdote,
  but directly connect the intro to your thesis
  statement.
• Start by being strong and confident.

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Evidence

• Gather at least three pieces of evidence to
  support your claim. 
• Have information on each sub topic prepared
  ahead of time. 

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Conclusion

• Conclude your debate by disproving the opponents
  point. 
• Reaffirm your position by repeating the
  highlights of your evidence.
• Restate your thesis.

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Rebuttal

• Do your research to be well-prepared for contra
  arguments.
• Take notes of the points to rebut.
• Concentrate on the important points and use logic
  to show why the other side is wrong.
• Attack each argument that the opposition presents
  in turn.

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Debate Tips

• Search the web for debating videos.
• Have notes prepared, but do not let your debate
  become an oral presentation of a written essay. 
• Practice speaking aloud in front of a mirror or
  other people.
• Understand both sides of the debate so that you
  are prepared to contradict the other side.
• Be ready to let go of small points.
  Concentrate on debating the main topics and
  prepared evidence.

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