Qualitative Research:Constructing a Cogent

Argument

Abson P. Joseph, Ph.D.Associate Professor of NT

Indiana Wesleyan University

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument

• Research and Writing as a way of life

• Research and Writing as a faithful communication

• The Big Picture• Argument: Basic

unit of communication

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument

1. Understanding before Overstanding • Rephrase an argument in

way that is satisfactory• Restate in a way that

others can understand• Less is more• shorter is harder

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument

2. The Activity of Truth Assessment

• Isolate and gather a stock of things that may be accepted without further questions

• Reason from accepted things to the truth or falsity of claims regarded as problematic

• Sociolinguistics: how language works…

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument

3. Problematic, but Appealing Reasoning

• Argument from Ignorance• Argument from Correlation• Argument from Popularity• Argument from Emotional

Appeal ad hominem

• Circular reasoning

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument

• Grounds, Claims, Warrant, Backing, Qualifications

• G & C are two most important elements

• Statement vs. Rhetoric• 1 argument, 1 claim• Warrants, backing,

and qualifiers support the claim

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument

• Warrant: bridge to relevance from ground to claim

• Unstated warrants???• State warrants, provide

backing (observation, appeal to an authority, practices)

• Qualifiers: clues about one’s confidence vis-à-vis the claim (limit or enhance meaning)

• Use carefully

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument

1. Introduction• Arouse attention• Orient the audience

Forschungsbericht (survey of research, situate yourself in the conversation )

• Make a claim• Map the way

forward

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument

2. Body• State the “facts”• Support a claim with

evidence• Anticipate and dispense

with counterarguments• Provide road

signs/relevance3. Conclusion: Summary

& Significance

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument

1. GM is recalling cars, therefore no one should buy from GM

2. A merger between AA and US airways does not profit customers, it will drive prices up and stifle competition

3. 1 Corinthians 15

Introductory Matters

Critical Reasoning & Engagement

Constructing an Argument

Writing an Essay

Assessing an Argument