Transcript Is Globalization a good thing?

Unfortunately, this is what passes for a research model
among many students
You are doing a investigative
journalism paper on climate
change in the Arctic.
Where do you start?
“Climate Change.” Encyclopedia of the Arctic, 2005
Possible questions:
1. How fast is climate changing in the Arctic?
2. What’s causing climate change in the Artic?
3. Why is Arctic climate change more dramatic
than climate change at the Equator?
4. Is current Arctic climate change a product of
human-generated greenhouse gas or simply part
of climate cycle patterns that have always been
present?
(Face indicates how bad or good the question is.)
Choose One
Is current Arctic climate change a product of
human-generated greenhouse gas or simply
part of climate cycle patterns that have always
been present?
Is current Arctic climate change a product of
human-generated greenhouse gas or simply
part of climate cycle patterns that have always
been present?
Now ask : What am I really looking for in the
above question?
One situation
Is current Arctic climate change a product of
human-generated greenhouse gas or simply
part of climate cycle patterns that have always
been present?
Two options
Goal is to determine which option is most likely.
Is current Arctic climate change a product of
human-generated greenhouse gas or simply
part of climate cycle patterns that have always
been present?
This leads naturally to a possible outline:
Introduction
I. The Reality – Arctic Climate Change
II. The Options
A. Climate Cycle Patterns
B. Human Generated Greenhouse Gas
Conclusion
Here are some possible questions.
Good or bad?
“Is Globalization a good thing?”
Bad
Why?
“Is Globalization a good thing?”
What do you mean by “Globalization?”
- Global economies?
- Global politics?
- Development of a Global culture?
What do you mean by “good?”
Better:
“Does the development of global free
trade actually improve the
economic life of the poorest
producers of goods?”
”Does the development of global free
trade actually improve the
economic life of the poorest
producers of goods?”
Introduction
I. The Intended Purpose of Global Free Trade (to
improve economic life)
II. The Evidence (examples of the results of free
trade among the poor)
Conclusion
Another question
Good or bad?
“What are the difficulties facing homeless children
and how can we help them further their
education?”
Bad
Why?
“What are the difficulties facing homeless children and
how can we help them further their education?”
1. Two-part question, leading to two research projects
rather than one. Note that the first part is really just a
data gathering exercise, so that the real question is
the second one.
2. Which homeless children? Where?
Better:
“Given the challenges facing homeless children in inner
city Vancouver, what is the best way to ensure that they
get a good education?”
(Subsuming the first question under the second to make one question)
Outline:
Introduction
I. The Challenges Facing Homeless Children
II. The Options Available to Ensure Good Education
A.
B. etc.
Conclusion – The Best Option
Another question
Good or bad?
“How valid is the argument that legalizing
all currently illegal drugs would cut crime and
stabilize or diminish drug use?”
Good
Why?
“How valid is the argument that legalizing
all currently illegal drugs would cut crime and
stabilize or diminish drug use?”
1. A narrow topic
2. Problem-solving focus (two sides, at least, to this
issue).
3. Non-obvious answer
4. Capable of being researched (Evidence is out
there)
5. The problem presented is clear and has a single
focus
“How valid is the argument that legalizing
all currently illegal drugs would cut crime and
stabilize or diminish drug use?”
Outline
Introduction
I. Arguments against legalization
II. Arguments for legalization
Conclusion
(Note that the arguments would focus on potential
crime and drug use benefits only)