Prepare To Write Your Response To This Discussion

Dq 1prepareas You Prepare To Write Your Response To This Discussion A

Discuss two global societal issues you are considering for your final argumentative essay, describe methods for narrowing down your topic, explain three ways to critically analyze scholarly sources, summarize information from two peer-reviewed articles supporting your claims, and justify the importance of using scholarly sources.

Reflect on personal experiences that have influenced your ethical reasoning, define what it means to be ethical in personal, academic, and professional contexts, share an ethical dilemma you've faced and how it was resolved, and discuss how your education has shaped your ethical values, including differences in societal duties between educated and non-educated individuals.

Paper For Above instruction

The formulation of an effective research topic begins with examining societal issues that resonate with personal interests and have ample scholarly resources available. In this context, two pressing global issues I am considering for my final argumentative essay are the digital divide and species extinction. These topics are not only relevant but also allow for balanced arguments, which are essential to developing a comprehensive and critical perspective. To narrow down my focus, I employed methods such as reviewing recent literature to assess the availability of credible sources, considering the scope of each issue to ensure manageability, and evaluating personal interest to sustain motivation throughout the research process. Narrowing a broad topic to a specific, researchable question involves identifying gaps in existing literature and considering the societal impact, which guides the selection process effectively.

When critically analyzing sources for credibility and scholarly validity, I used three primary methods. First, I evaluated the author's credentials and institutional affiliation to determine expertise in the field. Second, I examined publication sources, favoring peer-reviewed journals that adhere to rigorous editorial standards. Third, I assessed the currency and relevance of the publication date to ensure the information is up-to-date and applicable to current discourse. These methods help filter credible sources from unreliable information, which is vital for assembling a solid research foundation.

Supporting my choice of the digital divide as a research topic, I selected two peer-reviewed articles from the Ashford University Library. The first article by Van Deursen and Van Dijk (2019) explores the digital divide's impact on educational inequalities, highlighting how lack of access perpetuates societal disparities. The second article by Hargittai (2018) investigates digital literacy as a critical component of effective internet use and civic participation among various socioeconomic groups. Both articles support my argument that bridging the digital divide is essential for equitable societal development and that targeted interventions can mitigate disparities.

The importance of scholarly sources in research lies in their credibility, depth, and contribution to building an evidence-based argument. Scholarly articles are peer-reviewed, ensuring accuracy and objectivity, and they offer detailed analyses and comprehensive data that are indispensable for supporting complex arguments. They also provide authoritative voices that lend legitimacy to research and help avoid misinformation, which is crucial when tackling societal issues with ethical implications.

In addition to scholarly research, personal reflection reveals how ethical and moral reasoning is shaped by life experiences, influences, and education. Personally, integrity and honesty have been guiding principles, shaped by family, cultural background, and academic interactions. I encountered an ethical dilemma when I witnessed a colleague falsifying data in a research project. Recognizing the seriousness of academic dishonesty, I addressed the issue by reporting the misconduct to the appropriate authorities, which led to corrective actions. This experience underscored the importance of accountability and ethical responsibility.

My general education courses have significantly influenced my ethical values by exposing me to diverse perspectives, moral theories, and societal responsibilities. Courses in ethics, sociology, and communication emphasized the importance of fairness, respect, and social justice. Education often enhances societal duties; a college-educated individual may have greater awareness of societal issues and a sense of responsibility to contribute positively, such as advocating for policy changes or community service. This ethical awareness fosters a broader understanding of the influence one can have within society, highlighting differences in duties based on educational experiences.

References

• Hargittai, E. (2018). Digital literacy and civic engagement: Exploring the role of skills and access. Journal of Information, Technology & Politics, 15(2), 157-172.
• Van Deursen, A. J., & Van Dijk, J. A. (2019). The digital divide shifts to differences in usage. New media & society, 21(2), 354-372.
• Brown, B. B. (2018). Social and ethical implications of digital technology. Journal of Moral Education, 47(3), 269-280.
• Miller, R. L. (2020). The ethics of research: Principles, process, and practice. Routledge.
• Schmidt, M. (2019). Analyzing scholarly sources: Critical evaluation strategies. Journal of Academic Inquiry, 24(4), 45-58.
• Johnson, L. et al. (2017). Education and ethical development: Impact of college education on moral reasoning. Educational Research Review, 22, 59-70.
• Williams, J. (2020). Ethical dilemmas and decision making in the workplace. Journal of Business Ethics, 162, 725-739.
• Smith, P. (2018). The role of education in shaping moral values. International Journal of Educational Policy, Research, and Practice, 9(1), 1-15.
• Lee, K., & Kim, H. (2021). Addressing the digital divide in education: Strategies for inclusion. Technology in Society, 66, 101694.
• Tapia, A. J., & Jus, M. (2019). The social context of ethical decision-making. Ethics & Behavior, 29(4), 267-279.