Week 9 Final Assignment HUM/111 January 13, 2012 Courtney Yelvington Axia College of University of Phoenix

Axia College Material

Appendix B Final Exam
Access the Electronic Reserve Readings link in the Week Nine section of your student Web site. Select one of the following topics and read both articles that present opposing sides of the argument surrounding that topic. o o o Animal experimentation Outsourcing Media violence

Answer the following questions in paragraphs of approximately 100 words demonstrating your critical and creative thinking skills. 1. Identify if the topic you choseas presented by both articlesis a problem or an issue, and explain what makes it a problem or an issue. If you believe the articles present both problems and issues, identify and explain what the problems are and what the issues are. The topic I chose to discuss is the highly debated topic of animal experimentation, and whether animal experimentation is an issue or a problem. I feel that based on the readings, animal experimentation is an issue, as issues are generally topics that are debatable. In these two readings, it is evident that the parties involved are debating whether or not animal experimentation is medically justified. However, these readings seem to be in response to a problem: scientists require subjects to experiment on. While it is agreeable that some sort of experimentation is necessary, there are individuals who disagree with animal experimentation, thus making animal experimentation an issue. 2. Were the problems or issues expressed effectively? Describe how the problems or issues were or were not best expressed. In the text that claims animal experimentation is unjustified, I do feel the issue was expressed effectively. The article states many facts, as well as providing many additional sources for further information. It states that animal experimentation is unreliable and that the budget is excessive then continues on and supports these claims with factual information. While the article promoting animal experimentation provides several instances where animal testing has indeed benefited our society, it fails to thoroughly explain these claims and simply states them as facts. It provides little to no reasoning as to why the author has this view point. It simply relies solely on the facts and nothing else. 3. How would you determine the credibility of the sources of information used by the authors in the articles when investigating the problems or issues presented by your topic?

Week 9 Final Assignment HUM/111 January 13, 2012 Courtney Yelvington Axia College of University of Phoenix

To determine the credibility of the authors, as well as any sources provided by the author, the reader must conduct individual research on each of the sources. From what I understand, a source can be considered credible so long as it is able to be verified by another source of some sort. Instead of accepting the stated information at face value, the reader must decide if the author is using facts that are correct, and to do so one might simply look up the fact where it was referenced from. It is important that the reader evaluate both articles without a sense of bias. To do this, a reader must keep an open mind while evaluating the articles.

4. Compare two steps that would be most effective in refining solutions to the
problem and resolutions to the issues presented by your topic. The main argument that is addressed in both articles is the amount of money being spent on something that is potentially unreliable. One method I feel would be effective in refining a solution is finding some way to raise money for the experiments. Perhaps the testing organizations could hold charity events to raise money for animal testing. This would also give those who support animal testing to contribute to the cause. Another solution that could be implemented is to find other subjects to test on. Because animals and humans are so different, some people feel that the results would be different when tested on a human. There are several experiments that are conducted on humans, so perhaps the experiments that are being conducted on animals instead be conducted on humans that are willing and able. In doing so, results would be more accurate, and animal rights activists will not feel as if the money spent on the experiments are not wasted.

5. Identify three strategies that could help you foster criticism when evaluating both
arguments for your topic. Criticism is an important and unavoidable element of an argument for two reasons: no solution is ever perfect, and many cases can not just be put into effect, as they must first be approved by others. One strategy for dealing with criticism is to focus on your ideas. I, like many others, am susceptible to a variety of errors. By staying focused on your idea rather than the criticism youll receive for it, your idea may hold more value to those that you present it to. The thought of your idea being criticized for a mistake being pointed out may produce feelings of embarrassment and foolishness. You could use this to your advantage and a motivation to revisit your idea to find areas that may be vunerable to criticism. One final strategy you may use is applying curiosity. As you visit your idea multiple times, you may find it difficult to identify flaws. However, to be effective, you must examine your idea from a different perspective. Asking yourself how others will react to your idea is a good example of using curiosity to help with criticism.

6. Identify three approaches that would be most effective in refining solutions to the
problem. There are three steps you can take to refine the solution to a problem. The first step is to work out the details. You must determine exactly how the solution will be applied. For example, if the solution involves doing something, you may ask yourself a series of questions, such as how exactly is this to be done, by whom is this to be done, and who will finance it. If you are making something, you may ask yourself how will it work, what will it look like, and what will it cost to make the product. The next step in this process would be to tine imperfections and complications. This is a vital

Week 9 Final Assignment HUM/111 January 13, 2012 Courtney Yelvington Axia College of University of Phoenix

step that will show others you want your idea to be the best possible. You should check for common imperfections such as clarity, comfort, efficiency, among other things. You would then compare the solution with competing ones. Next, consider that changes your solution will cause, then consider the effects your solution will have on people. After you identify imperfections, you can then make improvements. Examples of this would include changing the terminology, the way it is explained, or changing the way the solution is applied.

7. Identify at least three errors affecting truth and validity in the arguments for your
chosen topic. One error I find that affects the truth in the arguments is overgeneralization. In the article that is against animal experimentation, the author fails to give credit to the advancements animal testing has had in the medical industry. The same could be said for those who support animal experimentation in that they do not acknowledge that an amount of money and/or research was indeed a waste. There is another instance where the author over generalizes things when s/he states that drug testing on animals have proven unreliable when in fact there have been many accomplishments made that are due to such testing. I feel there is also an instance where the author attempts to shift the burden of proof in stating that there is money wasted for animal testing. When the opposing side does not have a specific amount of funds that were not put to good use, the author may assume s/he is correct in the statement. 8. Summarize the steps you completed while evaluating both sides of your topic. When evaluating both sides of this topic, it was my main goal to look at the ideas presented with an open mind. In doing so, I am able to effectively evaluate the cases presented by each side. After reading both articles, I then determined whether the topic was an issue or a problem. I asked myself if animal experimentation was a situation that could be changed, and came to the conclusion that testing would be unavoidable, especially since it is something that is required by law. I then decided that this topic was an issue rather than a problem. While both views had errors that affected the truth, it was evident that this issue needed to be resolved. To resolve this issue, I looked at both views with a critical eye and determined that while not every animal experiment that is conducted produces beneficial results, animal experimentation is a necessary step in medical research.

9. Explain what techniques you would use to present your ideas on this topic and
persuade others effectively. To persuade people to agree with my point of view, I would first research my audience. When we feel strongly about a subject, it is easy to think that those who disagree with us are stupid. It is important that research is done on an audience so I would have an idea of how my concept will be perceived. Next, I would begin my presentation with something that the audience is familiar with. Because first impressions are often difficult to overcome, I will begin the presentation with a point that will make my audience comfortable, but at the same time remain on topic. By beginning on a point that the audience is not familiar with, they may remain in a wary mindset throughout the presentation. I would then determine which tone is appropriate, such as one that is calm, objective, and courteous. I would present the evidence that supports my idea. I would touch on points from the opposing view and counter with evidence that suggests otherwise. As I give the presentation, I would

Week 9 Final Assignment HUM/111 January 13, 2012 Courtney Yelvington Axia College of University of Phoenix

make sure that all significant objections are indeed dealt with in a way that is subtle and does not interrupt the flow of my presentation.

10. Identify three approaches you will use to apply these techniques to effective
writing and speaking skills. One technique I feel would be effective in convincing others to accept my idea is presenting them in a conclusion to evidence order. I feel that by starting with my conclusion, I will be able to engage the attention of the audience. After I have their attention, I feel that as I present the evidence that supports my claim, they may also accept my ideas. Another technique is the more conventional evidence to conclusion order. This may have the same effect as the previously mentioned method, drawing the readers in with undeniable facts, then convincing them with the conclusion. One final technique I feel I could use in a presentation would be the cause and effect method. I would present ideas on what could happen if animal experimentation is outlawed, as well as the affects it could have on us as a society. I may also touch on the effects of having no budget for animal experiments, and the effect that may have on the medical field. There are a number of different approaches, and in order to choose the most effective approach, it is important to evaluate your audience.