Eng101 CausalTechniques ReadingDiscussion SS15

8/20/2019 Eng101 CausalTechniques ReadingDiscussion SS15

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Eng 101 SS15Causal Techniques


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Causal Techniques


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What are the elements of a

Causal essay? Purpose

Patterns

Reasoning Errors

Ethics

Thesis and details


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Purpose Cause

◦ Probes the reasons why actions, events,attitudes, and conditions exist

Effect

◦

Examines consequences of causes Explain historical events, natural

happenings, actions and attitudes ofindividuals and groups

Help readers anticipate theconsequences of personal actions,natural phenomena, or governmentpolicies


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Patterns Single cause produces several effects

Might discuss cause then effects or

effects then cause

I. Poor language skills

II. Body

A. Can’t keep up with required

reading

B. Can’t take adequate notes

C. Can’t write competent papers


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Patterns Several causes produce one effect

◦ Might discuss effect then causes or causes

then effect

I. Decrease in U.S. zinc production

II. Body

A. produced more cheaply abroad

B. replaced on cars by plastics, lighter

metals

C. cannot be recycled


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Patterns Causal Chain

◦

Each event is effect of preceding one and thecause of the following one

◦ Help explain how devices function and howsome social changes proceed

◦ Similar to process analyses which is

concerned with HOW events occur...causal isconcerned with WHY events occur

II. Body

A. sleep late

B. miss breakfastC. become hungry and distracted

D. perform poorly on exam


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Patterns Multiple Cause-Multiple Effect

◦ Sequence of causes and effects is too complex to fit

image of chain◦ Present causes then effects or effects then causes

Topic: accident

II. Body

A. causes of the accident1. driver ran stop sign

2. Bushes and unlit headlights impairedvision

3. Wet pavement caused skiddingB. Effects of the accident

1. missed the movie

2. Unnerved so missed classes next day

3. Other driver lost license


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Reasoning Errors

Ignoring multiple causes

An effect rarely stems from a singlecause

Mistaking chronology for causation

Don’t assume that just because oneevent followed another that the firstnecessarily caused the other(chronology)

Confusing causes and effects Pam and Paul married because they fell

in love; in reality it was an economicnecessity, and love came later.


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EthicsForcing a particular outcome by uncovering only

certain causes

Report blaming poor instruction for highstudent failure rate neglects oversized classes,socioeconomics

Carefully weighed importance of chosen causes

If a few, but not most, of the classes in theproblem school system are oversized, thenreport shouldn’t stress their significance

Discuss every important effect (even one thatdamages point)

Report emphasizing the beneficial effects of jogging must discuss potential for energy

Consequences of people acting upon essay

Call to action


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Thesis & DetailsThesis statement

Identifies the event to be explained oreffects to be considered

Explains importance of understandingthe causes or effects

Offers a summary of the major causesor effects

Details

Not just a bare-bones discussion ofcauses and effects or a list

Vivid description used


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For Monday...

Apply your assigned comparison

elements to each of the followingreadings. Be prepared to extensively

discuss your findings with the class.

Caroline Knapp’s “Why We Keep Stuff”

Chris Mooney’s “The Science of Why We

Don’t Believe Science”Luscombe & Stinchfield’s “Why We Flirt.”


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Purpose

Kam, Pamela Patterns

Chad, Anthony, Ce-Ce

Reasoning Errors Blanche, Grace, Unique

Ethics

Ryan, Karen, Misty

Documents

Eng101 CausalTechniques ReadingDiscussion SS15