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Find Pro / Con Arguments

General Search Tips | Library Databases

Print Resources | Online Resources

Pro / Con arguments are often useful when writing persuasive, inquiry, or position papers. Researching varied viewpoints and opinions also reveals the discourse surrounding a topic more comprehensively. How do you find these Pro / Con conversations?

Here are a few general SEARCH TIPS:

Think about the types of sources that report on current events and contentious topics. See some recommendations below.
 

Think about where opinions are usually expressed in publication. For example, try searching for your topic with a specific format category, such as:

editorial commentary issue papers research briefs

interview speech blog

Try not to use the terms 'pro/con' when you search. Use terms such as:

analysis opinion commentary evaluation public opinion

surveys political aspects speech oppononents proponents

Evaluate the sources carefully: determine the author, viewpoint, intended audience, intended purpose, and potential bias. Determine the main opinion or stance of the work. Think about what the counter argument might be.

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CQ Researcher

This database reports on issues of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, technology, the environment and more. The reports provide an overview and a pro / con section. CU

 

Academic Search Premier

This scholarly multi-disciplinary database provides full text journal coverage for nearly all academic areas of study - including social sciences, humanities, education, computer sciences, engineering, language and linguistics, arts & literature, medical sciences, and ethnic studies. Enter your topic as search terms, utilize the material type limit, and add some of the suggested terms above. CU

 

Proquest Newsstand

Index w/ full-text of articles in Wall Street Journal and 500+ other major U.S. and international newspapers, news wires and other news sources. CU

 

ProQuest Historical Newspapers: New York Times 1851-2001

New York Times (1851-2001) offers full page and article images with searchable full text back to the first issue. The collection includes digital reproductions providing access to every page from every available issue. CU

 

Infotrac OneFile

Web source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics: business, computers, current events, economics, education, environmental issues, health care, hobbies, humanities, law, literature and art, politics, science, social sciences, sports, technology, and many general interest topics. Use the terms PRO/CON with this database. CU

 

ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPERS

Alternative Press Index

250 alternative, radical, and left publications. Indexed articles include regular columns, editorials, fiction, interviews, bibliographies, biographies, and reviews. Topics include African-American studies, ethnic and racial studies, feminism, gay/lesbian studies, community organizing, ecology, labor studies, social theory, socialism, alternative organizations, anarchism, prisons, indigenous people's rights, and internationalism. CU

 

Ethnic NewsWatch

Designed to provide the "other side of the story", Ethnic NewsWatch full text titles offer additional viewpoints from those proffered by the mainstream press. Both English and Spanish language search interfaces are provided. CU

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

Colorado's Historic Newspaper Collection

A project of the Collaborative Digitization Program. Contains historic Colorado newspapers that have been digitized and made accessible via the Internet. CU

 

For more newspaper databases, go to: News & Newspapers

 

PUBLIC OPINION DATABASES

iPoll
Search and retrieve US public opinion data from the comprehensive archives of the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research. A full-text, searchable retrieval system, the iPOLL online database is organized at the question-level, archived from national public opinion surveys since 1935 CU

 

Polling the nations
A compilation of more than 14,000 surveys conducted by more than 1000 polling organizations in the United States and more than 100 other countries. CU

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SERIES

These sources explore current topics in depth. The books in the series examine different voices and viewpoints on the issue. They also include a bibliography of periodical articles, books, and organizations to contact for more information on the topic.

Opposing Viewpoints Series

 

Taking Sides

 

Contemporary World Issues

REFERENCE SOURCES

References sources are an excellent place to start on a topic.

 

These sources will provide a background and overview of your topic; they typically will detail all sides of the issues; and they will include a bibliography of additional research sources both pro and con.

 

Some General Reference Sources are listed below.

GENERAL

Encyclopedia Britannica CU
Gale Virtual Reference Library CU
Oxford Digital Reference Shelf CU

World Almanac CU

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There are numerous websites that may help you explore pro/con opinions on your topic. The resources below are a small sampling. These sites will require your evaluation of the author, intended purpose, audience, bias, and overall credibility.

 

Brookings Institute

US organization founded in 1916 that covers public policy issues through reports, analysis, and commentary.

 

Electronic Policy Network

A network of progressive nonprofit organizations that aggregates news, reports, analysis and policy on current issues and events.

 

US Department of State - Issues & Press

Topics and reports generated by the US Department of state on international topics and issues.

 

Open Democracy

A UK educational nonprofit organization that hosts online debates from participants around the world. Covering themes: arts&cultures, conflicts, democracy&power, ecology&place, faith& ideas, globalization, media&internet, people.

 

Public Agenda

A nonprofit opinion research organization that covers topics and issues related to American life and concern: issues such as immigration, education, religion, foreign policy, etc.

 

UC-Boulder Government Publications Library Topic Guides

Several current issues and topics are listed here along with numerous links to additional resources and research.

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Please email suggestions for additional resources.

Created7/07 CBS

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