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Why the Research Paper is Flawed
A more scientific approach?
2008-04-13 17:26:37
For one of my classes this semester I have to write an argumentative research paper about any topic I want. As I have been writing it I have come to realize a huge flaw in the process of these kind of assignments. It seems like any time you are asked to write an argumentative research paper you are asked to choose a topic and a side before you do any research.
What is the problem with this? I think it teaches us a backwards way of forming opinions. We are asked to form an opinion and then do research to support our relatively uninformed opinion. This model of argumentative research is completely backwards, why should we form opinions before we throughly know a topic.
I think a better approach is first to ask students for a topic, then give them time to research. After they have gathered information on the topic they should then present a side of the argument to be on. We should not be taught how to spin arguments in one sides favor, but rather how to come to thoughtful conclusions after research is finished.
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