Tacoma Community College Library: Argument and research: Pro and con

Opposing Viewpoints series of books

Explore All The Opposing Viewpoints Series

The Library has many of the books in a series called Opposing Viewpoints. A larger issue (such as Censorship) is broken down into questions ("Should the right to free speech be restricted"?) with authors writing on both sides of each question. Ask a librarian or use the library catalog (see image below) to find these.

Opposing Viewpoints series
"Opposing Viewpoints" is a series of books published by Greenhaven Press that compile essays from multiple viewpoints, or perspectives, on a central issue or topic. Perfect starting points for argument papers!

Sample titles in the Opposing Viewpoints series:

Gun violence
Call Number: Main Collection HV7436.G8762 2015
Publication Date: 2015
Opposing Viewpoints series
Gender roles
Call Number: Reference HQ1075.G4663 2014
Publication Date: 2014
Opposing Viewpoints series
Teens at risk
Call Number: Reference HV1431.T446 2013
Publication Date: 2013
Opposing Viewpoints series

Liberal vs. conservative sources

Liberal & Conservative Think Tanks

Here are a few magazines (all available through our periodical databases) and think tanks that consistently promote traditional conservative or liberal views.

"Liberal" magazines:

"Conservative" magazines:

"Liberal" think tanks:

"Conservative" think tanks:

Need more sources along the liberal/conservative spectrum? See below:

AllSides
News and issues from multiple perspectives. The site clearly identifies each news story's position (left, center, or right). You can also browse publications and narrow down to specific perspectives (liberal/left to conservative/right).

Finding both sides

Finding Both Sides of an Argument

Sometimes it is difficult to find both sides of an argument. Here are some tips to use when you are searching databases. Try adding (usually one at a time, or separated by "OR") the words or phrases listed below. Some will be more useful than others depending on your topic. Try to imagine how authors might discuss the concept you are researching.

Pro	Con
proponents	opposed OR opponents OR opposition
advocates	critics OR criticism
support OR supporters	resistance OR resistors
defenders	enemies
sponsors	damage OR costs OR burden
positive OR "positive effects"	negative OR "negative effects"
benefits	dangers

Also consider using these more neutral phrases that may lead you to pro/con arguments:

"moral aspects"
"ethical aspects"
"psychological aspects" or "psychological effects"
"sociological aspects" or "sociological effects"

Search example using pro/con keywords in a library database:

Here's an example of a search you might use in ProQuest if you were having trouble finding articles opposed to beauty contests

(click on image to enlarge)

Useful websites for controversial topics

Useful Websites

Here are some web sites that might help with controversial issues

Opposing Views
This is a .com site, so be prepared for lots of annoying advertising
ProCon.org
A site focused on "promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, and primarily pro-con format." A significant feature of this web site is the provision of links to the documents cited in the arguments.
Public Agenda
Provides information on the many facets of current interest topics and information drawn from polls give a sense of how the U.S. public views some issues.

Pro & con in CQ Researcher

Using CQ Researcher

Reports in the CQ Researcher database include a pro/con section. Two authors will debate one small question related to the larger topic.

Sample "Pro/Con" section in a CQ Research report

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Search the CQ Researcher database:

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
These weekly reports provide thoughtfully written analyses of social, economic and political issues. Every issue features an extensive report on one topic.