Persuasive Research Questions:  A list of topics to consider for research of a two-sided persuasive issue. 

If you’re looking for a good place to browse current issues and viewpoints, visit Opposing Views.  This interactive site displays user surveys and hot-button topic categories such as politics, society, health, money, and religion. 

One of the better topical lists that I have found is featured on the Santa Monica Library resource page.  It’s worth your click, but don’t forget the need to narrow your topic and motivate it with a research question as discussed in my previous posts.

An issue is said to be “in stasis” if opposing sides have agreed to disagree.  By finding the point at which your issue is in stasis, you are able to find the point at whih your issue becomes debatable, researchable, and current.

Four Levels of Questions:  You should start at the first level, moving toward the fourth level, stopping when there is not a clear “yes” or “no” answer to the question.  All questions after your found point of disagreement are open for debate. 

1. Questions at the level of conjecture:  Does the issue or topic exist?  What are the causes or origins?
2. Questions at the level of definition:  What is it?  What are its parts and how are they related?
3. Questions at the level of quality:  Is it good or bad?  Is it bettr or worse than __________?
4. Questions at the level of policy:  What should be done about it?