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Why Do We Research?
Why Do We Research?
Research is the initial, unavoidable step in writing your speech. These are the 4 main reasons for why doing quality research before your debate is so important.
Gain Context
Every bill is a response to a specific problem or opportunity. Without understanding the context behind a piece of legislation, you risk making superficial arguments that fail to grasp the true context of the status quo and the round. Research allows you to dive into the history, politics, and societal factors surrounding a bill. For example, if the legislation proposes expanding renewable energy subsidies, context might include trends in climate change or shifts in energy markets. Simply put, the more you know, the more grounded and credible your arguments will be.
Develop Arguments
Evidence is the backbone of any argument. A strong point supported by statistics, expert opinions, and case studies is way more compelling than an unsupported claim. This turns your argument from something theoretical into something tangible and persuasive.
Predict the Round
The most accomplished debaters you know don’t just prepare their own arguments—they anticipate what others will say. This is known as round vision and the first step to having good round vision is good research. Research helps you identify the stock affirmative and negative arguments on a bill, as well as common rebuttals and counter-rebuttals. By predicting what the debate will revolve around, you can come up with preemptive refutations and avoid being caught off guard.
Clarify Assumptions
Every argument is built on assumptions, whether they are acknowledged or not. Research helps you uncover these assumptions, both in your arguments and in the arguments of the other side. For example, the AFF might argue that a bill will reduce healthcare costs, but their claim might rest on the assumption that the policy will be implemented efficiently (aka. lack of solvency). By clarifying assumptions, you can expose the holes in the other side’s arguments.
How Do We Begin?
How Do We Begin?
Starting research can usually feel daunting, especially when the topic is dense or super unfamiliar. So break it down into an easy process.
Start by focusing on the 5 W’s of the bill:
Who
Identify who the legislation affects. Is it targeted at specific communities, industries, or demographic groups? For example, a bill proposing a sugar tax might primarily impact beverage companies, low-income communities, and public health organizations.
What
Understand the specifics of the bill. What does it propose to do, and what mechanisms does it use to achieve its goals? This might include funding allocations, regulatory changes, or some new enforcement measures.
Where
Consider the geographic implications of the bill. Is it focused on a local, state, national, or international scale? Some bills may have global ripple effects, while others are confined to a specific region.
When
Timing is crucial. Why is this bill being introduced now? Is it a response to recent events, a long-standing issue, or a future concern? For example, legislation addressing AI regulation may be driven by the rapid advancements in technology over the past few years.
Why
This is probably the most overlooked question by a lot of debaters. “Why?” is central to understanding a bill’s purpose. Why does this legislation exist? What problem is it trying to solve, and why is it considered the best solution? Answering “why” provides the warranting you need to support or oppose the bill.
Preliminary Thoughts
Preliminary Thoughts
Before diving into targeted and detailed research, you should first map out your initial thoughts on what the debate will be like. Again, this will really help with developing your round vision.
What will the Affirmative argue?
The affirmative will probably focus on the benefits of the bill—how it solves the problem it addresses and the positive impacts it will have. Think about what their core arguments might be and how they will support them.
What will the Negative argue?
The negation will aim to highlight the bill’s drawbacks, unintended consequences, or inefficiencies. They might also argue that the status quo is preferable or that alternative solutions are available.
What assumptions will both sides share?
Both sides often operate under shared assumptions. Identifying these assumptions allows you to challenge them or build on them as needed. This will allow you to contribute to the round and offer what the round may be missing.
What additional questions need to be answered?
Treat the round like an iceberg. The arguments you hear represent only the surface. Dig deeper to uncover what lies beneath. For example, if the bill proposes expanding renewable energy, you should ask: “What are the environmental trade-offs of renewable energy production? What economic sectors might be disrupted?”
You've Predicted Arguments, Now Identify the Best Ones
Watch this Round Vision Lecture from TOC and 2 time NSDA Finalist Nick Ostheimer.
The Argument Iceberg
The Argument Iceberg
Think of a round like an iceberg, where only a small portion of the debate is visible above the surface. The most meaningful arguments are hidden below. To actually understand a bill, you need to go beyond surface-level arguments and uncover the underlying assumptions and implications.
What Assumptions Underly this Argument
Every argument has assumptions. A speaker who argues that subsidizing college tuition will increase access to education assumes that cost is the primary barrier for most students. Challenging these assumptions can expose weaknesses for you to further analyze.
Why does this argument matter?
Always connect your arguments to broader themes, such as equity, economic stability, or public safety. The best arguments are those that resonate with universal values and concerns. These resonate with your judging panel the best as well.
Minimize assumptions in your own case.
Use evidence to validate your claims. Avoid vague statements that rely on the judges’ or your peers’ imagination.
Think through the other side's assumptions.
Anticipate the assumptions the other side will rely on and be prepared to challenge them. For example, if they argue that increasing defense spending will enhance national security, ask whether the proposed spending aligns with actual threats.
Assumptions lie under the surface. Reveal them and sink your opponents!
Writing your speech: A Framework
Writing your speech: A Framework
Need a refresher on speech structure? We got you. A well structured speech is the first step to clear and logical argumentation, but it has to be backed up with evidence. Read along below and think about the research questions that help you build up each part of your speech.
Status Quo
Status Quo
Ask yourself: Why is this issue being introduced now and how is it relevant? Who is most affected by it? What is already being done?
Action (Solvency)
Action (Solvency)
Ask Yourself: What does the bill propose to do?
How does it intend to achieve its goals?
Effect
Effect
Ask yourself: What changes does this bill enact compared to the SQUO?
Who benefits, and who might be harmed?
Impact
Impact
Ask Yourself: Why does this matter? How does it connect to larger societal or global concerns? How does that impact effect or interact with the other arguments you predicted?
Remember: Terminalize and Humanize your impacts! Sure raising minimum wage could hurt businesses, but the terminal and human impact is that less profits lead to job loss. Then find data to back up that connection and Quantify it with numbers or statistics.
Practical Research Tips
Practical Research Tips
You're close to mastery, but still not perfect. Here are some ways to level up your research.
Ask Better Questions
Avoid typing vague questions into Google. Frame your searches as specific claims. For example, instead of “Does therapy save money?” search up “Therapy reduces healthcare costs study.”
Use Google Scholar
Academic sources are more reliable and detailed than general websites.
Cite Strategically
Use filters like “cite: .edu” or “cite: .gov” to find authoritative sources. For example, search “climate policy effects cite: .edu.”
Skim Effectively
Abstract: Read the summary to determine relevance.
Table of Contents: Pinpoint the sections you need.
Results: Focus on key findings.
Command-F: Search for specific terms, such as “%,” “billion,” or “increase/decrease.”
Filter by Timespan
Use date filters like “before:2022-01-01” or “after:2022-01-01” to narrow your search to relevant timeframes. Ex. You don't want outdated sources, especially in a rapidly changing topic like Foreign Policy.
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