Argument map of your research
Making an argument map that identifies the parts of your argument (claim, reasons, evidence, data) is an essential part of the process of knowledge creation. Using the argument map template provided on our website here, please create an argument map of your group's claim. Don't forget the resources on argument mapping provided at the Resources tab above.
I understand that making an argument map before you have conducted your research is difficult and somewhat unrealistic. For example, if you already know your central claim before conducting your research, you're not actually conducting research---you are preparing a polemic. Preparing an argument map at this stage can, however, help clarify the task ahead and prevent a prolonged and unfocused search for information. At this stage, think of your central claim (the top box in your argument map) as your hypothesis. What reasons, evidence, data would be necessary to investigate the hypothesis? Please retain the argument map template labels (e.g., Reason 1, Reason 2, Research Question, Data, etc.) in your map so that gaps in the development of your argument are evident.
I understand that making an argument map before you have conducted your research is difficult and somewhat unrealistic. For example, if you already know your central claim before conducting your research, you're not actually conducting research---you are preparing a polemic. Preparing an argument map at this stage can, however, help clarify the task ahead and prevent a prolonged and unfocused search for information. At this stage, think of your central claim (the top box in your argument map) as your hypothesis. What reasons, evidence, data would be necessary to investigate the hypothesis? Please retain the argument map template labels (e.g., Reason 1, Reason 2, Research Question, Data, etc.) in your map so that gaps in the development of your argument are evident.
