Synthesizing Ideas

Good ideas come only after long periods of reflection and research on a topic.

False

If there are disagreements among sources, one or more of the sources must be presenting incorrect information.

False

In a formal academic research paper, a writer's main goal should be to find and cite as many sources as possible.

False

A student is researching the obesity epidemic among American children, and he is trying to determine whether or not he supports government intervention to help curb obesity. Across the sources he consults, he commonly sees the argument that government action is necessary to help solve the obesity crisis because many local communities lack resources needed to help their members fight obesity, such as opportunities for children to exercise or education about healthy food. In these cases, the government can create or fund programs that provide these missing resources. Which of the following quotations best supports this argument?

"' You can't say to a parent, "Your child should exercise more" if there's no PE [physical education] in school and the only nearby park is so dangerous and run-down that no one dares visit,' Dr. Joe Thompson, the director of the Robert wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in 2010" ("Diet and Obesity").

Understanding the arguments for and against an issue is an important part of reading source material with an open mind and looking for patterns, themes, and connections. Read the following paragraphs and click or tap on the sentences that could be used to support the following statement: "Autism should not be diagnosed in children under the age of three."

"A diagnosis of autism at such a young age is largely based on the absence of certain developmental skills, rather than the presence of symptoms ... making it harder for doctors to determine if the child is truly autistic or just not exhibiting certain skills yet. Wendy Stone, an autism researcher at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., told the Monitor on Psychology, 'There could be lots of reasons you're not seeing a behavior. You could not be seeing it because it's not developing, or it could be that the child is not showing it to you at that time'" ("Diagnosing").

A writer is researching the health benefits of coconut products and comes across a CNN article about coconut oil. One of the article's main points is that, according to experts, coconut oil can cause significant health problems. Which of the following quotations from this source most directly supports this point?

"[P]rofessor Karin Michels... calls the health claims surrounding coconut oil 'absolute nonsense' and says it's 'pure poison' for its saturated fat content and its threat to cardiovascular health."

Understanding the arguments for and against an issue is an important part of reading source material with an open mind and looking for patterns, themes, and connections. Read the quotations below and click or tap on the ones that argue against the following statement: "People should be permitted to select the gender of their children using techniques such as in vitro fertilization."

"[T]he practice, which is prohibited in many countries, uses expensive medical care for frivolous purposes, destroys some embryos just because they are the 'wrong' sex, and promotes gender discrimination. Moreover ... the trend is a dangerous first step toward transforming childbirth from a natural process full of surprise and wonder into just another commodity in which a baby's features are picked like options on a new car" (Stein). "'It is clear that sex selection targets women,' said Alfonso Gomez-Lobo, a philosophy professor at Georgetown University. 'From an ethical point of view, all this is quite unacceptable'" (Stein).

A student is working on a paper about the health benefits of coconut oil. In the course of his research, he finds an article that presents multiple perspectives on this topic. Below, on the left, are several quotes from the article that illustrate some of its main points. Match each quotation to the point it best represents.

Coconut oil is similar to other oils in terms of health effects. "Like other oils, coconut oil is calorie-dense, which means consuming large amounts without reducing other calorie sources can lead to weight gain." You should only consume coconut oil in moderation. "'It's not that you have to absolutely avoid coconut oil, but rather limit coconut oil to where you really need that special flavor, like for Thai food or for baking a special dessert,' [Professor] Willett said." "Health organizations tend to discourage the use of coconut oil, which is more than 80% saturated fat. The American Health Association ... recommends that no more than 5% or 6% of your daily calories come from saturated fats—about 13 grams per day." Popular thought doesn't always match up with scientific recommendations. "A 2016 survey in the New York Times suggested that 72% of Americans think coconut oil is healthy, versus only 37% of nutritionists polled."

Which of the following questions can best help you discover patterns, themes, and connections among your sources?

Correct Answer(s) Are there any arguments, distinctive terms, themes, or data that you see in more than one source? Which sources make the strongest arguments? What makes them so strong? Incorrect Answer(s) What are the authors' credentials? How current are your sources?

A writer is working on a research paper in which she argues that it's important to be careful when consuming coconut oil and other coconut-based products. One of the paragraphs in her paper reads: According to a 2018 New York Times article, "Coconut oil's image has gotten a makeover in recent years, and many natural food stores stock the product. But despite 'a lot of hype about it,' said Dr. Alice H. Lichtenstein, a Tufts University professor of nutrition science and policy who is vice chair of the federal government's dietary guidelines advisory committee, 'there's virtually no data to support the hype'" (Rabin). According to a CNN news report discussing coconut oil, "Health organizations tend to discourage the use of coconut oil, which is more than 80% saturated fat. The American Health Association says it's better on your skin than in your food, and it recommends that no more than 5% or 6% of your daily calories come from saturated fats—about 13 grams per day. The association also advocates replacing coconut oil with 'healthy fats' such as polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats, like those found in canola and olive oils, avocados and fatty fish" (Drayer, et. al). Additionally, "Like other oils, coconut oil is calorie-dense, which means consuming large amounts without reducing other calorie sources can lead to weight gain. Just one tablespoon has 120 calories, about the same as a large apple or four cups of air-popped popcorn" (Drayer, et. al). This paragraph effectively relates the writer's source material to her own ideas about coconut oil.

False

A writer is working on a research paper about whether schools should ban junk food or not. One of the paragraphs in his paper reads: The article "Junk Food in Schools: Should Schools Restrict the Sale of Junk Food?" provides an overview of some concerns related to the food available to many school students: "Having junk food in schools, proponents contend, contradicts the message that parents, teachers and administrators are trying to impart to students—that eating good food is the key to good health. That message is undercut when unhealthy foods are so readily available, and have been approved by schools themselves, they argue. 'We talk a lot about healthy nutrition, we teach the kids about the food pyramid, and then they go down the hallway and get the high fat, high sodium and high junk available in the vending machines,' Senator Murkowski told the New York Times" ("Junk Food"). But this isn't true. In my high school we didn't have any vending machines. This paragraph effectively relates the writer's source material to his ideas about junk food.

False

A writer is working on a research paper in which he argues in favor of warning labels on packs of cigarettes. One of the paragraphs in his paper reads: The article "Cigarette Warning Labels: Should the U.S. Government Mandate Large, Graphic Warning Labels on Cigarette Packaging?" provides evidence suggesting that cigarette warning labels successfully deter smoking: "Geoff Fong, a researcher at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, who has studied cigarette warning labels in several countries, has said, 'Our results suggest that graphic warning labels significantly enhance paying attention to warnings'" ("Cigarette Warning"). The same article advances other advantages of warning labels: "According to Thomas Glynn of the American Cancer Society, 'For smokers, [the warning label is] a new and very visible reminder that smoking can harm them, harm people around them, including children. For nonsmokers, it's a reminder that smokers need their help and concern as far as quitting. The labels are not just for smokers, the labels are for anyone interested in public health'" ("Cigarette Warning"). This paragraph effectively relates the writer's source material to his ideas about warning labels on packs of cigarettes.

False

A writer is working on a research paper in which he argues that the government should not restrict access to violent video games. In the paragraph from his paper that follows, click or tap on any sentences in which the writer uses his own words to make his stance clear.

If the government restricts access to violent video games based on the idea that they cause violence, the government is shifting the focus away from one of the real causes of violence: mental health issues. It's much easier to blame video games than it is to put money and other resources toward helping parents, teachers, and children learn how to intervene when there are signs of an adolescent in distress and toward getting those in distress the help that they need. These issues are much more complicated to figure out.

A writer is researching solar energy technology and finds the following two articles in a database search. Take a close look at the subject terms for each search result. Which ideas, terms, and themes appear in both sources? Which only appear in one source?

In both sources laws regulating solar energy solar energy industries and manufacturing photovoltaic power In only one source historical context for solar energy solar energy in Europe

A writer is researching healthy lifestyle strategies for children and finds the following two sources. Take a close look at the information on each website. Which ideas and themes appear in both sources? Which appear in only one source? (Click on each image to enlarge and read it.)

In both sources the benefits of making healthy choices In only one source the amount of time that children should spend engaged in physical activity every day the importance of health education in schools

A writer is researching child discipline and finds the following two articles in a database search. Take a close look at the subject terms and abstract for each search result. Which ideas and themes appear in both sources? Which appear in one source or neither source? (Click on each image to enlarge and read it.)

In both sources whether certain segments of the population are more likely to use corporal punishment to discipline their children psychological aspects of child discipline In one source or neither of the sources the importance of consistency when it comes to child discipline the relationship between education and child discipline

As you read and think about your topic of research, you'll become aware that there's a larger conversation going on. Which of the following are most likely to be topics of larger conversations surrounding the issue of whether e-cigarettes should be regulated by the federal government?

Likely health risks of e-cigarettes as compared to traditional cigarettes the health of minors secondhand health risks of e-cigarette use in public places Not likely the taste of e-cigarettes

As you read and think about your topic of research, you'll become aware that there's a larger conversation going on. Which of the following are most likely to be topics of larger conversations surrounding the issue of how parents should respond if their children are being cyberbullied?

Likely how parents should balance respecting their child's privacy with helping them deal with bullying Not Likely what makes a child into a bully how teachers and administrators should respond to bullying how old children should be before dating

As you read and think about your topic of research, you'll become aware that there's a larger conversation going on that surrounds it. Which of the following are most likely to be topics of larger conversations surrounding the issue of whether states should legalize marijuana?

Likely whether states that have legalized marijuana have had any problems whether there are significant differences between marijuana and other illegal drugs Not likely whether marijuana use encourages overeating whether people should be a certain age to buy marijuana

A writer is working on a research paper in which he argues that coconut products might not be as good for your health as popular opinion and the media would suggest. In the paragraph from his paper that follows, click or tap on any sentences in which the writer uses his own words to interpret his source material for readers.

Many people were likely shocked to hear this, as coconut oil and other related coconut products have been the latest fad for a while now. Those with health issues who need to limit their sugar and refined grain intake, such as with Paleo-style nutritional plans, often rely heavily on coconut products. However, it seems that many scholars, while not usually expressing themselves as severely as Professor Michels, do hold that that coconut products should be consumed only in moderation, as with other calorie-dense products, and that other oils should be used when possible because of the high saturated fat content of coconut oils. It's often difficult to know what to do when one reads conflicting reports about the benefits or disadvantages of a product. However, it seems clear that at least reducing the consumption of coconut oil and mixing in other types of oils, such as canola and olive oil, or foods with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, when possible, is a theme shared by many experts.

A writer is working on a research paper in which she argues that, for some people, celebrity gossip is becoming an unhealthy obsession. In the paragraph from her paper that follows, click or tap on any sentences in which the writer uses her own words to make her stance clear.

There are no sentences in which the writer makes her stance clear.

You are developing an argument about the legalization of marijuana. What goals and approaches listed below are recommended as you structure your argument?

Recommended Reading to help you develop your own argument about the topic Reading to identify themes and main points of why marijuana is and isn't legal across the country Not recommended Reading to develop as long a list of sources to cite and list in your paper as possible

When you are formulating an argument, you should draw from your sources to support what you think, weave your sources' ideas in with your ideas, and discuss and argue against any ideas you don't agree with. Which of the following are recommended writing strategies?

Recommended reversing or revising your position or research question if needed based on what sources say using source material to help develop a research question using source material to help you support your points with evidence Not recommended only searching for sources that agree with your initial point of view writing a research paper by copying one quote after another

A writer is researching whether abstinence-only sex education courses are effective. What connection can she make between the following two quotations? Do they agree, disagree, or address different issues? "Sex education programs that teach abstinence along with instruction on how to use a condom, critics argue, send a confusing message to teenagers. 'In every other area of public policy—food, drugs, alcohol—we tell children what is the best choice,' Kristi Hamrick, a representative for the group American Values, told the Guardian in 2009. 'It seems very bizarre that the sex education establishment rejects the idea that we should talk to kids about what is best for them. We don't take vodka to drivers education because children will drink and drive'" ("Abstinence-Only"). "[W]hen girls and boys are separated, teachers can overcome traditional gender stereotyping that often keeps students from pursuing, and doing well in, particular subjects. For example, the NASSPE says that girls in single-sex environments are more likely to demonstrate an interest in math, science and computers, while boys are more likely to show an interest in foreign languages, music, art and drama. 'Both girls and boys have more freedom to pursue their own interests and abilities in single-gender classrooms,' the group states" ("Single-Sex").

The quotation address different issues.

A writer is researching whether learning about birth control in school helps prevent teen pregnancy. What connection can she make between the following two quotations? Do they agree, disagree, or raise different issues? "[R]esearch by the Guttmacher Institute indicat[es] that greater access to sex education and birth control in comparable industrialized countries is a key reason that their teenagers have lower pregnancy rates than U.S. teens" ("Teen Pregnancy"). "[T]he decline in Canada's teen pregnancy rate that occurred during the study period coincided with a substantial increase in contraceptive use by sexually active teens. The implication of this association is clear: a reduction or neglect of access to sexual and reproductive health education and services for youth is likely to halt or reverse the current trend in teen pregnancy rates" (McKay).

The quotations agree

A writer is researching whether beauty pageants are harmful to young girls. What connection can she make between the following two quotations? Do they agree, disagree, or address different issues? "[C]hild pageants are harmless fun, comparable to other childhood activities like sports or dance, each of which carries its own set of peculiar rules and risks. Jackie Hart, executive of the Illinois branch of the Sunburst Beauty Pageant, has pointed out, 'Every sport has its vices'" ("Child Beauty"). "[C]hildren who are taught to shimmy in miniature showgirl costumes, wink and blow kisses to judges, suggestively tear away Velcro pieces of their ensembles, and strut around in their bathing suits in public will not be able to tell what sort of behavior is age-appropriate outside of a pageant setting" ("Child Beauty").

The quotations disagree.

Understanding the arguments for and against an issue is an important part of reading source material with an open mind and looking for patterns, themes, and connections. Read the following paragraph and click or tap on the sentences that agree with the following statement: "Violent video games should not be blamed for real-world violence."

The real factor behind recent shootings in the United States ... is not violent video games but rather the prevalence of guns. Gun-control legislation ... is necessary to stem the violence, not restrictions on obtaining video games.

A writer is working on a paper about abortion and trying to decide what aspect of the issue to focus on. He conducts a database search to get a sense of the conversations surrounding the issue and finds the source at right. According to the information provided in the subject terms and abstract, which of the following topics might be addressed in this source? (Click on the image to enlarge and read it.)

Topics addressed the influence that individual justices have had on abortion decisions in the Supreme Court what could happen to abortion rights after the retirement of certain Supreme Court justices Topics not addressed ways in which abortion could be debated from a religious perspective the negative impact of making abortions illegal

A writer is working on a research paper in which she argues that bottled water is not necessarily superior to tap water in quality. One of the paragraphs in her paper reads: Bottled water is something that most people have been taught is a good thing. Not enough people, however, research whether the claims the bottled water industry makes are true, and whether bottled water is always better than tap water. We are used to hearing that we need to drink more water, and we see advertisements touting the purity, tastiness, and convenience of bottled water. An explanation for why bottled water sells well can be found in the article "Bottled Water: Is Bottled Water a Responsible Alternative to Tap Water?": "Although defenders of bottled water say that its continued popularity is a testament to its convenience, the writer Lisa Margonelli attributes such popularity to 'marketing, marketing and more marketing,' noting that advertisements for bottled water portray it not only as a healthy alternative to tap water but also as an environmentally friendly product" ("Bottled Water"). In other words, too often people are charmed by the beautiful lakes and waterfalls and calm blue or green nature-inspired tinting on the packaging and fail to look beyond these to the realities of the bottled water industry. This paragraph effectively relates the writer's source material to her own ideas about bottled water.

True

It's essential for writers to include their own ideas in their research projects.

True

Sources can sometimes affect your thinking on a topic and lead you to a more interesting research question than the one you started with.

True

The sources you find may affect your thinking on your topic, and you may discover new questions that you need to investigate in your research. Which of the questions below would be useful follow-up questions related to the ideas in this quotation? "Critics of the take-a-knee movement assert that the national anthem should be a time for harmony and national pride. 'We stand for the flag not to focus on what divides us but on what unites us, which is being an American,' Jane Hampton Cook, former White House webmaster for President George W. Bush (R, 2001-09), wrote in the Hill in September 2017. 'Standing for the flag and anthem at a sports game or other public gathering symbolically shows that we are all Americans, no matter our race or religion, no matter our preferred sports team, and no matter our political differences'" ("Politics").

Useful What did participants in the take-a-knee movement hope to accomplish? Why did participants in the take-a-knee movement decide to kneel during the national anthem? What should the national anthem represent? Not useful How should the actions taken in an athlete's private life affect his or her professional life? Should college athletes get paid?

The sources you find may affect your thinking on your topic, and you may discover new questions that you need to investigate in your research. Which of the questions below would be useful follow-up questions related to the ideas in this quotation? "To ensure that the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq do not create a new generation of mentally ill veterans similar to the one created by the Vietnam War, the federal government must take far more vigorous action on soldiers' health care, critics insist. Among other things, the military should more actively educate soldiers about the causes and symptoms of mental illness and make psychological therapy more readily available to those in need, they say. By bringing mental health care out of the shadows, opponents contend, the stigma surrounding mental illness can be weakened, and mentally ill soldiers are more likely to get the help they need" ("Soldiers").

Useful What kind of education about mental illness was provided to soldiers of the Vietnam War? How were mentally ill veterans treated by government healthcare providers after the Vietnam War? How many Vietnam War veterans have or had mental illnesses? Not useful Should people thank the veterans they meet for their service? Should honor medals be awarded to veterans for mental as well as physical sacrifice? Is it disrespecting veterans to participate in take-a-knee protests?

The sources you find may affect your thinking on your topic, and you may discover new questions that you need to investigate in your research. Which of the questions below would be useful follow-up questions related to the ideas in this quotation? "In Oregon, recycling processors are now permitted to send recyclable materials to landfills. Sacramento, California, and Hooksett, New Hampshire, have canceled or significantly curtailed their recycling programs, forcing residents to throw their recyclables in the trash. So, could the introduction of a national bottle scheme like Norway's help restore faith and order in American recycling? Would such a scheme even be possible?" (Siegle).

Useful What would be involved with starting a national bottle scheme like Norway's in America? What are the regulations on recycling processors and how much do regulations vary? How many cities have no recycling programs? Not useful Should people rinse out containers before recycling them? Is city-sorted recycling or homeowner-sorted recycling better?

When beginning a research project, which of the following are useful strategies you could use to identify patterns, themes, and main points among your sources?

Useful strategies grouping sources into categories taking notes on and writing brief summaries of the sources you find keeping track of any distinctive terms found in more than one source Not useful strategies discarding sources that disagree with you or other sources

A writer is working on a research project about how tFirst reasono help family members of people who are suffering from depression. He wrote the following outline as he considered how his source materials relate to one another and to his thesis. Each of the sources below provides support for one of the reasons in the writer's outline. Place each source in the blank spot in the outline where it best fits. First reason: It's important for family members to know that depression is a very common mental health disorder. Support: Second reason: It's important for family members to know what to look for. Support: Third reason: It's important for family members to know what they can do to help. Support:

a survey of college students in which seven out of ten of those surveyed had or knew someone who had depression a quotation from an expert in the field about the signs of depression a quotation from a classmate about resources her family has used to help her brother, who suffers from depression