Tips on Researching Pro/Con Topics

• Do some background research to find the names of the groups active in the controversy, the prevalent points of view and/or the terminology that is most appropriate.

EXAMPLE: On the subject of abortion, pro-life and pro-choice represent opposing views.

Use CQ Researcher, Facts on File, or the Britannica to get an overview of your topic.

• Remember that using the words Pro/Con often do not yield good results. (See the example above).

Check our online catalog iBistro for books, DVDs, videos... on your topic. Particularly useful are the series: OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS and TAKING SIDES.


Searching for articles:

Try Academic Search Premier, Lexis-Nexis, Masterfile Premier and ABI/Inform may be the most useful databases, although depending on your topic, other databases might be more suitable. A Reference Librarian can help you make that determination or check the Subject List to find some suggestions.

• Use the terms COMMENTARY or EDITORIAL to find opinion pieces.

• Some of the following words may also help narrow your search results:

analysis ---evaluation--- public opinion--- surveys--- political aspects--- proponents--- opponents--- social aspects

• Know the sources. Publications may have a particular bias. Example: The American Rifleman (NRA publication) would have articles AGAINST gun control.

• Remember that research articles on particular topics tend to appear much later than news articles, opinion pieces, and think pieces. You may also find that the research validates only ONE point of view.

• If you plan to use the public web, consider using a directory to locate one or two credible websites. Try: Librarians' Index to the Internet or Infomine.
  

• Remember that the Reference Librarians are here to help!
  Stop by the Reference Desk
  Email us at refmcclibrary@yahoo.com
  Call us at 732 906-2561 or
  Post a question on this Blog.