MAKE A COPY Research information on two public issues. You may choose public issues discussed in the lesson or choose a different one of interest to you. Collect sources and evaluate the credibility and accuracy of each source. Complete the checklist from the lesson when accessing and evaluating sources. 5 6 Public Issue Source Credibility Rating Credentials Bias Evaluation Date of Article Question 2 Your state government has enacted a policy that requires a mask to be worn in public at all times to prevent future pandemics and the spread of communicable diseases. In the role of a private citizen, take a position on this new policy and defend it. Evaluate several credible resources to gather reasoning that supports your position on this nolicv Source Credibility Rating Bias Evaluation What evidence from the source helped you determine the position of the source? List a quote or sentence from the source to support. Write a paragraph that defends your position on the policy, and cite evidence from at least two credible sources to support your reasoning.

1 answer

Research on Public Issues:

Public Issue 1: Climate Change

Source 1: NASA Climate Change and Global Warming

  • Credibility Rating: High
  • Credentials: NASA is a leading scientific institution with access to data from global climate research and long-term studies.
  • Bias Evaluation: Generally unbiased, focusing on scientific data and research.
  • Date of Article: Updated regularly; last checked in October 2023.

Source 2: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Reports

  • Credibility Rating: High
  • Credentials: The IPCC is an international body responsible for assessing the science related to climate change, with contributions from thousands of scientists globally.
  • Bias Evaluation: Peer-reviewed and generally viewed as a scientific authority; however, some critics may argue that certain recommendations reflect political bias.
  • Date of Article: Reports are released periodically; the last major report was in August 2021.

Public Issue 2: Gun Control

Source 1: Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence

  • Credibility Rating: High
  • Credentials: A nonprofit organization focused on preventing gun violence through research and policy.
  • Bias Evaluation: Has a clear advocacy for stricter gun control laws, leading to potential bias.
  • Date of Article: Updated regularly; last checked in October 2023.

Source 2: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Gun Violence

  • Credibility Rating: High
  • Credentials: The CDC is a national public health institute in the U.S. that conducts research and provides information on health-related issues.
  • Bias Evaluation: Generally presents data-driven content; however, monolithic interpretations around gun control can receive scrutiny.
  • Date of Article: Updated regularly; last checked in September 2023.

Position on Mask Policy:

As a private citizen, I support the state government's policy requiring masks to be worn in public at all times to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Evidence suggests that wearing masks significantly reduces transmission rates of respiratory viruses, including flu and COVID-19. According to a study published by the CDC, "Community Use of Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2" indicates that areas with mask mandates experienced a decrease in COVID-19 transmission rates compared to areas without such policies. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that wearing masks, particularly in crowded or enclosed settings, is crucial for protecting both the individual and the community from potential outbreaks.

The health of our communities relies on our collective responsibility to minimize transmission of diseases that can lead to severe health crises. By implementing this mask policy, we are not only protecting ourselves but also safeguarding vulnerable populations who are at a higher risk of severe illness. The CDC has also stated, "Masks are an important tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses," further solidifying the evidence for this policy.

In conclusion, the mask mandate is a proactive measure that not only fosters a culture of health vigilance but contributes to the overall safety and well-being of our society. Statements from credible health organizations provide a strong foundation for supporting this policy.