Research, Analysis and Evaluation

This section of the IGCSE Global Perspectives syllabus focuses on developing a line of reasoning to support an argument, a perspective, or courses of action. It's a crucial skill for critical thinking and effective communication. This guide will explore the key aspects of this objective, providing examples and guidance for students.

Developing a Line of Reasoning

A line of reasoning is a sequence of interconnected statements that lead to a conclusion. It's not just stating facts; it's explaining why those facts are relevant and how they support your point.

Key Components of a Line of Reasoning

• Premise(s): These are the statements you accept as true or as evidence.
• Evidence: Facts, data, examples, or expert opinions that support your premises.
• Reasoning: The logical connection between your premises and your conclusion. This explains how the evidence supports your argument.
• Conclusion: The statement you're trying to prove.

Example:

1. Premise 1: Climate change is occurring. Evidence: Global temperatures have risen significantly over the past century. Evidence: Ice caps are melting at an accelerated rate.
2. Premise 2: Human activities contribute to climate change. Evidence: Increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere correlate with industrialization. Evidence: Scientific consensus supports the link between human activity and climate change.
3. Reasoning: Because climate change is occurring and human activities are a major cause, reducing human impact is necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change.
4. Conclusion: Governments and individuals should take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Analysis

Analysis involves breaking down information into its component parts to understand its meaning and significance. It's about examining the relationships between different ideas and identifying patterns.

Types of Analysis

• Comparative Analysis: Examining similarities and differences between two or more things.
• Cause and Effect Analysis: Identifying the causes of an event or the effects of a particular action.
• Structural Analysis: Examining the way something is organized or structured.
• Contextual Analysis: Considering the historical, social, and political context in which something exists.

Example: Analyzing the impact of social media on political discourse might involve comparing the spread of misinformation on different platforms, examining the role of algorithms in shaping user experiences, and considering the effects on political polarization.

Evaluation

Evaluation goes beyond simply describing or analyzing something. It involves making judgments about its value, strengths, and weaknesses. It requires considering different perspectives and weighing the evidence.

Criteria for Evaluation

• Relevance: How important is the information to the issue?
• Reliability: How trustworthy is the source of the information?
• Bias: Does the information present a particular viewpoint or agenda?
• Validity: Is the information accurate and supported by evidence?
• Scope: How comprehensive is the information?

Example: Evaluating the effectiveness of a particular policy might involve considering its potential benefits and drawbacks, assessing the evidence for its impact, and comparing it to alternative policies.

Developing a Perspective

A perspective is a particular way of seeing or understanding something. Developing a perspective involves considering different viewpoints, weighing the evidence, and forming your own informed opinion.

Steps in Developing a Perspective

1. Identify the issue: Clearly define the topic you're exploring.
2. Gather information: Research the issue from multiple sources.
3. Consider different viewpoints: Explore the arguments and perspectives of different stakeholders.
4. Analyze the evidence: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence supporting each viewpoint.
5. Form your own opinion: Based on your analysis, develop your own informed perspective.
6. Support your perspective with reasoning and evidence.

Evaluating Courses of Action

Evaluating courses of action involves considering the potential consequences of different choices. This requires weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each option and considering the ethical implications.

Framework for Evaluating Courses of Action

Course of Action	Potential Benefits	Potential Drawbacks	Ethical Considerations
Implementing stricter environmental regulations	Reduced pollution, improved public health	Economic costs, job losses	Fairness to businesses, impact on developing countries
Investing in renewable energy sources	Reduced reliance on fossil fuels, job creation	High initial costs, technological challenges	Environmental impact of manufacturing renewable energy technologies

This table provides a simple framework. A more detailed evaluation would involve a more comprehensive analysis of the potential consequences of each course of action.

Conclusion

Developing a line of reasoning, analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and forming a perspective are all essential skills for success in the IGCSE Global Perspectives exam. By practicing these skills, students can develop the ability to think critically and make informed judgments about complex issues.