Dr. Gass
HCOM 235
Fall 2009=
Causal Reasoning
Analysis
=
Your
task is to write an essay analyzing a "real life" causal argument,
related to a public policy issue. A
few examples of causal controversies are:
- Does playing violent videogam=
es
make kids more aggressive or anti-social?
- Are human activities responsi=
ble
for global warming?
- Is Thimerosal in childrenR=
17;s
vaccines a cause of autism?
- Do subliminal messages affect
consumer buying behavior?
- Does excessive TV viewing imp=
air
infants’ cognitive development?
- Do iPod “earbuds”
cause hearing loss?
- Is Internet piracy harming the
music and/or film industry?
- Does capital punishment have a
deterrent effect on the homicide rate?
- Do school uniforms enhance
learning or reduce school violence?
Hint:
Good places to find causal arguments are newspaper editorials (the
“Op-Ed” section), radio talk shows, or political discussion sho=
ws
on TV. In writing your essay you should accomplish the following objectives=
:
First, you should clearly identify the
alleged cause (antecedent). Indicate the type of cause involved
(contributory, necessary, sufficient, sole, indirect, etc.).
Second, you should clearly identify the
alleged effect (consequent). Indicate the type of effect involved
(single effect, multiple effects).
Third, you should evaluate the strengt=
h of
the causal inference. Is this a good causal argument or a bad one? Why?
Could alternative causes produce the effect? Employ tests of causal
reasoning to support your assessment. You will need to conduct outsi=
de
research to locate evidence to support your analysis and evaluation of =
the
causal argument.
Your
essay should be approximately 4-6 pages, typed, double spaced, not counting
references. The assignment must be written in essay style, e.g., complete
sentences, not an outline or bullet points. You will be graded on your writ=
ing
style as well as your ability to analyze and evaluate causal arguments.
You
should turn in a typed, double-spaced copy in class, not an email or electr=
onic
copy. The essay constitutes 2=
5% of
your course grade. If you'd like to see some sample essays, please stop by =
my
office (College Park, 420-5).
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