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 |
Here's an example of a search you might use in ProQuest if you were having trouble finding articles opposed to beauty contests:
Here are a few magazines (all available through our periodical databases) and think tanks that consistently promote traditional conservative or liberal views.
Reports in the CQ Researcher database include a pro/con section. Two authors will debate one small question related to the larger topic.
Here are some web sites that might help with controversial issues
Pro/Con articles provide different perspectives and opinions on current and often controversial issues. Newspapers, for example, are a great place to find pro/con views through opinion-type articles such as editorials, columns, or letters to the editor. Databases like Proquest and New York Times provide these types of newspaper articles.
Also, some databases, like Points of View Reference Center and CQ Researcher explore current issues and include differing pro/con stances.
Sometimes it is difficult to find both sides of an argument, or opposing viewpoints on a topic. Here are some keywords to think about using when you are searching databases. Try adding (usually one at a time, or separated by "OR") the words or phrases listed below. Some keywords be more useful than others depending on your topic. Try to imagine how authors might discuss the concept you are researching and what words they might use to describe support for or against it.
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