MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Location: file:///C:/108B5899/causalreasoningessay.htm Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Causal Reasoning Essay

Dr. Gass

HCOM 235

Spring 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 controver= sies are:

 

·      =    Does playing violent videogames make kids more = aggressive or anti-social?

·      =    Are human activities responsible for global warming?

·      =    Is Thimerosal in children’s vaccines a cause of autism?

·      =    Do subliminal messages affect consumer buying behavior?

·      =    Does excessive TV viewing impair infants’ cognitive development?

·      =    Do iPod “earbuds” cause hearing loss?<= /p>

·      =    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 shows on TV. In writing your essay you should accompli= sh the following objectives:

 

First, you should clearly identify the alleged cause (antecedent). Indicate the type of cause<= /b> involved (contributory, necessary, sufficient, sole, indirect, etc.).<= /o:p>

 

Second, you should clearly = identify the alleged effect (consequent). Indicate the type of effect involved (single effect, multiple effects).

 

Third, you should evalua= te the strength 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 outside research to locate evidence to support your analysis and evalua= tion of the causal argument.

 

Your essay should be approximately 4-6 pages, typed, double spaced, not counting references. The assignment must be writt= en in essay style, e.g., complete sentences, not an outline or bullet points. = You will be graded on your writing 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 electronic copy.&nb= sp; The essay constitutes 20% of your course grade. If you'd like to see some sample essays, please stop by my office (College Park, 420-5).=