I see a strong connection between any communication, logic, or philosophy class you may have had (i.e., speech or writing), and this research class.  What we wish to do is construct a convincing “argument” that will convince a particular audience to agree with our claim.

UNC has a nice article on “argument” (“expressing a point of view on a subject and supporting it with evidence”) that you may want to review.

It is my perception that the ability to construct classical arguments has become diffused since the time of Socrates. Humorist Stephen Colbert (below) even invented the term “Truthiness” to describe a “truth” that a person claims to know intuitively “from the gut” or because it “feels right” without regard to evidence, logic, intellectual examination, or facts [Retrieved from “http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Truthiness&oldid=492921182“]. 

I personally believe societal success requires more thoughtful development of beliefs and claims!

Dr. G.