how do i support my argument and my "local" claims?
ARGUMENT: A POSITION YOU WANT THE READER TO ACCEPT AS VALID
claims: specific points YOU WANT THE READER TO ACCEPT AS VALID
supporting claims requires
reasons and evidence
definition of evidence
objective information used to support or corroborate a claim
criteria for academic evidence
IE: EVIDENCE THAT IS ACCEPTABLE FOR USE IN AN ACADEMIC ESSAY
1: COMES FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE
ASK YOURSELF: WILL MY AUDIENCE ACCEPT THIS SOURCE AS REASONABLE OR AUTHORITATIVE?
"AUTHORITATIVE"
What credentials, expertise, or experience does the source have to be writing about the subject?
How viable is their research methodology?
What is their prior reputation and how do they demonstrate credibility within the work itself?
2: can be replicated or verified
scientific studies:
the exact same conditions and methods should produce the same results
difficult to replicate personal experience or observation
3: evidence in a disciplinary context
the field of study determines the evidence
English: Novel, Literary Theory, Interviews & Essays by the Author
science:
statistical / empirical evidence
evidence and disciplinary context
How do other writers in your field use evidence?
What kind of authorities do they cite?
What kinds of evidence are privileged within your discipline?
How is quantitative evidence presented and upheld?
How is qualitative evidence presented and upheld?
more broadly, what counts as evidence?
is it relevant?
is it appropriately dated (current)?
is it representative?
is it reliable?
is it accurate?
process of researching w/ purpose
A Student's Guide, 99-100
1) select a topic
2) have a working thesis
3) have research questions
4) keywords
THESIS: Studies and research have shown that the benefits of vaccinating children outweigh the risks that have given rise to medical controversies fueled by the media.