Guide to finding pro/con arguments
Why use pro or con arguments?
Analyzing pro and con arguments forces readers to confront multiple points of view. This enables readers to consider more facets of an issue and to develop a better understanding of the issue.
When to use pro/con arguments.
Pro or Con arguments often deal with current, controversial topics. As you begin to search for information keep in mind the dates when your topic was of particular interest. You are most likely to get the best results in your search for topics of national, rather than local or regional, interest.
General search tips:
- Avoid using the terms pro and con in your search, unless the issue frequently uses pro- or con- to identify supporters of the position (i.e. pro-life or pro-choice).
- Read the abstracts, when available, as these will provide you with a brief summary of the writer's viewpoint.
- Finding resources that support a given position might require a familiarity with the discourse surrounding the issue.
- As you become more familiar with the arguments for both sides, reconsider your search terms and keywords.
- Remeber that pro/con stakeholders may be arguing or emphasizing very different points.
- An article that supports one side of an issue might contain valuable information about the other; don't rule out an article simply because it's not written from "your side".
Sources for Pro/Con arguments in the Undergraduate Library
Several books compile materials that support either or both positions of a given issue. Examples include the titles in these series:
- Contemporary World Issues
- Current Controversies
- Information Plus
- Opposing Viewpoints
- Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial...
Several books in the Undergraduate Library Reference Collection include pro/con information. To name just a few:
- Abortion : an eternal social and moral issue 363.46 Ab76122000
- Drugs and drug policy in America: a documentary history 362.290973 B411d
- Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment Q. 364.03 En193
- Encyclopedia of Environmental Issues 363.7003 En192
- Encyclopedia of Special Education Q. 371.903 En192000
- Encyclopedia of White Collar and Corporate crime Q. 364.16803 En19
- Gun Control and the Constitution 344.730533 G954
- Index to International Public Opinion 303.38016 In2
- International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family Q.306.803 In8212003
- Issues and controversies on file 973.05 IS
Finding pro/con sources in electronic databases
To enter the databases:
- From the Undergraduate Library home page, click on Articles in the Find category on the left side of the screen.
- The databases included under Starting Points (General Databases) and Newspapers will provide good starting points for finding pro/con sources. But you can explore some of the others, depending on your topic.
Recommended databases for locating Pro or Con Arguments:
- Type your keywords in the search box. For example: stem cell
- To view individual reports click on the title of the report.
- Every CQ Researcher Report includes a Pro/Con section.
Periodical Abstracts (FirstSearch)
- Type your search terms in the search box(es).
- Use the Limit to: feature and select either Commentary or Editorial under Article Type.
- To view individual editorials click on the View full-text in HTML format link. If this link is not included, the full-text of the article is not available within this database.
Academic Search Premier (EBSCOHost)
- Type your search terms in the search box(es).
- Go to the Limit your results section of the page and in the Document Type category select Editorial.
- To view individual editorials click on the HTML Full Text or PDF Full Text links. If neither of these links is included, an editorial is not full-text in this database.
- Select the Power Search option.
- Enter your search terms with the following: AND editiorial.
- In the Select Sources section, select U.S. Newspapers and Wires
- If a specific date range is desired, select an option in the Specify Date section.
- Click Search.
Business Source Premier (under Business)
- Type your search terms in the search box(es).
- Go to the Limit your results section of the page and in the Document Type category select Editorial.
- To view individual editorials click on the HTML Full Text or PDF Full Text links.
JSTOR (under History)
- Click on the Advanced Search link.
- Enter your search terms in the boxes.
- Check the box next to Opinion piece
- Click Search.
Finding pro/con sources online
You may be tempted to rely solely on websites for pro/con arguments. While there is certainly no lack of opinions available online, you'll still need to consider the author's profession, political alignment, and obvious biases.
Before you begin, check out the Undergraduate Library's Guide to Evaluating Internet Sources for tips.
- Electronic Policy Network click on the For the Press tab to: "Get facts, quotes, and breaking information... on issues ranging from health care to childcare and economics to foreign policy."
- Ethics Updates compiles several valuable resources for several topics of applied ethics.
- Issues and Press of the U.S. Department of State lists issues of national interest and provides information to contextualize the issue.
- Radical Religious Right includes the websites of groups both opposed to and aligned with "the religious right." This will provide ample opportunity to read for bias!
- Social Issues provides the websites of several pro/con advocate groups for a number of topics.
Updated: 11/12/2007
SKA/RES
