Research is integral to the post-graduate academic process because it enables students to develop the skills and credibility necessary for social change. Whether you write your paper on your own or engage an academic ghost writer, you sometimes need such services to research a controversial subject. This study area can often be challenging for students, and here, we cover the ins and outs of conducting this research effectively.
A controversial topic doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inherently evil or illegal. Instead, it could be given such a status because of cultural sensitivity or a bias in a community, field, or country. Therefore, it elicits strong opposing perspectives that prompt public or academic debate.
The main rule is to be tactful and strategic when you navigate such topics so that your work oozes with confidence and clarity. You need to acknowledge limitations, present your findings honestly, and consider opposing views to sound credible. In this article, we’ll look into the details of remaining confident and clear when addressing a contentious topic. Keep reading to accelerate your research clarity and confidence to the peak.
Is Academic Freedom on Trial?
Before exploring strategies for tackling controversial topics, let’s look at several trends observed in the most advanced democracies. The United States is a good example that sets trends and signals where academic freedom is heading. Yet, without sounding biased or political, most American college and university professors believe that academic freedom of expression among students and educators is declining.
The fears these educators expressed are based on a trend captured in a national survey, which showed that more states are passing laws that limit what colleges should teach. This academic muzzling means that what students freely discussed some years ago might become “controversial” and land them in legal trouble.
Amidst all these changes, it’s wise to carefully build your case on a solid foundation of objective research results. Below you can find some actionable strategies for researching and discussing controversial topics.
Build a Vibrant Theoretical Framework
Ground and base your research in a properly defined theoretical context that provides a clear perspective through which you can analyze your data and interpret your findings. To achieve this goal, let the following elements define your chosen topic.
- The topic must be interesting for both your readers and for you to gather the necessary courage to push through to the end.
- Read everything you need about the topic to be confident enough to defend it against competing perspectives.
- Find a theoretical basis that supports your sensitive topic.
- Choose an actionable topic within your available time, financial resources, and people you can work with.
- Select a niche that allows you to make a positive difference and not just argue or debate without shedding more light on it.
Admit Possible Bias
Сonfidence and clarity when researching controversial topics doesn’t necessarily mean you are right and everyone else is wrong. Prepare to be honest about your potential biases and acknowledge how they might affect your research. Acknowledging these biases also shows that you respect other people’s right to have competing views of the topic.
Consult Divergent Perspectives
You need to study all opposing and diverging views on your topic, even if they challenge yours. Go ahead and consult experts, interview others, and engage in focus discussions. This way, you build a “consensus” view by factoring in the opposing views without creating hostility. This for-against approach benefits your research in the following ways:
- You are better positioned to prepare a persuasive case for your viewpoint.
- You can present your position compellingly and interestingly.
- You refute opposing views by offering data-backed arguments in favor of your position.
- You can integrate opposing opinions with those who began arguing the opposite standpoint.
When you analyze opposing views, you may also discover weaknesses in your position, which can help you refine it to make it more effective.
Do a Complete Literature Review
Start where you are and move on to build your case based on solid academic evidence and this approach ensures that you immerse yourself in the current research, identify major debates on the topic, and understand varying viewpoints on the subject. This way, you approach your topic from an informed and scientific perspective.
A thorough literature review can also give you a clear idea of the challenges and opposing opinions you may encounter. This way, you are better prepared to counter opposing viewpoints when they arise. Also, early preparation arms you with the necessary information to counter opposing arguments and present your position without undue conflict.
Anticipate Challenges
With or without controversy, people who think differently should prepare you for challenges. Prepare to face unexpected results and conflicting evidence. So, formulate tactics to handle these situations. For example, you can conduct a negative case analysis or explore alternative interpretations.
Convey Your Findings Clearly and Concisely
The way you present your research results and findings totally demonstrates your clarity and confidence, so make sure that your conclusions are concise, clear, and accessible to different audiences. Remember that your language should also be clear, appropriate, and free from jargon. Always support your claims with concrete evidence to secure your position with intellectual credibility and authority.
Consider Ethical and Legal Issues
We saw that controversial topics face ethical and legal challenges. When researching such topics, consider their legal implications, especially when they are potentially harmful. For instance, the use of military force during intervention raises ethically significant consequences, so check your local laws regarding what the regime considers “harmful” or “indoctrination” to avoid dragging yourself into unnecessary academic battles.
Bottom Line
It’s common practice at the graduate level to research and write papers about controversial topics. You need to approach these topics tactfully so that you don’t generate heated debates and only focus on enlightening your audiences. Use our tips to handle hotly debated topics clearly and confidently.
