How to Research A Debate

Many people scramble for sources when writing for a debate. Whether we like to admit it or not, most people look to the same tried-and-true sources for debate research: the first five Google results, the one Wikipedia article, the same standard news sites. Here's how to add some more edge to your debate by "thinking outside the box" -- without sacrificing your credibility.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paper or 4x6 Note-cards
• Pen(s)
• Internet Access
• Patience

1. Credit: Bethany Carlson Before you begin researching, write down anything you already
   know about your topic. This may be common knowledge, a good start for
   forming an angle/argument. For example, for the SAT/ACT debate, I
   wrote that score differences among minorities was a hot-button issue.
   This way, I remembered to make a special note of related data.
2. Start by looking at Wikipedia. Look up the article about the specific
   issue and/or search for related articles. Skim the article, writing
   down main ideas and anything that catches your interest.
3. Go to one of the above links. Look at its credibility -- who wrote
   the information? Is the website copyrighted? Read these articles
   in-depth. Write the name of the source (online magazine, website's
   name, etc.) and write any new, pertinent information underneath. At
   the very least, write all facts, stats, and figures, and double-check
   your notes for accuracy.
4. While still at your Wikipedia-referenced resource, look for a "links"
   page. Follow those that appear relevant and repeat the above process.
5. Continue until you have checked every link, or until you're drowning
   in a sea of overwhelming data.
6. If you still lack information, look at one of these:
   -Dictionary.com: the definitions here hold a surprising amount of
   information. . .and can lead you to a new perspective on the subject of your argument.
   - About.com: the experts here are great for finding out some seeds of not-so-common knowledge. NOTE: Pay attention to the dates on top of these articles; many of them need updating. Not so good for time-related issues.
   -A book.
   -Any vague resource that may remotely relate to the topic. If you
   can find something credible and relevant, it may be worth it.
   -Google. Don't just look at the first five pages; skip around a bit
   until something catches your eye.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't automatically rely on quoted information; double-check. For example, if an article on fuel efficiency quotes the AAA, skip down to the article's footnotes and find a link to confirm that information.
• Take frequent breaks, especially the coffee-drinking kind.
• If you have time, try to find or make visual aids for your debate as well. A pie chart or a well-used stock photo can clarify a complicated point well.
• Do NOT quote anything directly from Wikipedia. Wikipedia is NOT a reliable source in and of itself. Remember, anyone can edit Wikipedia. That said, all facts must be cited, so use articles' external links and references as a springboard for initial research.