Comparison Source Assignment

Please complete this (or as much of it as you can) during class on Thursday. Turn in whatever you can complete by the end of class. You may either type your answers into the box below or type your answers into a document (Word, Google Docs) and then attach that here.

Part 1: What’s your topic?

1. The question from our assignment is to find a current decision you’re struggling with and to compare the options. These options should be the subjects that you compare/contrast in your paper. 
• For example, if I'm trying to decide on a major, my subjects would be the two majors I'm going to compare.
2. Restate your comparison into a question. For example, if I’m considering whether to major in Architecture or Psychology, I might make my question: Should I major in Architecture or Psychology?
   
3. Type your question at the top of your paper.

Part 2: Identify your criteria for comparison

1. Make a list (here or on scratch paper) of the criteria you'll use to make your decision. 
• Note: This isn't pros/cons for each specific subject. Instead, it's categories that would help you decide. So instead of saying "I like buildings" for why I might pick an architecture major, I'd say, "Enjoying work" is one of my major considerations.
2. Choose the top three or four most important criteria you'll use to make this decision, and list them below.

Part 3: What do you know? What do you need to know?

1. For each criterion you've listed above, write what you know about each of your subjects. When you don't know something, or need more information, mark that, as well.
• For example, if "future income" is one of my categories, and I don't really know what an architect makes, I would write ??? or "unknown" next to that.
2. Write out a sentence that states a question for each piece of information that you don't yet know or need to know more about:
• Example: "What does an entry-level architect make per year in Oregon?"

Part 4: Research Possibilities

1. Using the questions you developed in Part 3 as a guide, begin researching to find answers. List possible sources here. If you don't know where you could find an answer, ask!

Part 1: Should I major in architecture or psychology?

Part 2: 1. Amount of education needed. 2. Entry-level job prospects (pay, job availability, location). 3. Work environment and hours.

Part 3: 

Architect: 1. At least four years. Do I need a master's degree? 

2. What does an entry-level architect make per year? Are there many jobs available in this area? 

3. What are the typical work conditions and hours for an architect?

Psychologist:

1. What kind of degree do I need to be a psychologist?

2. What does a psychologist make per year? Are there many jobs available? 

3. Do they work in hospitals or offices mostly?

Part 4:

1. Possible source for education information: University web sites. Maybe professional organizations?

2. Possible source for work/pay information -- Bureau of Labor Statistics

3. Possible source about work conditions: professional organization? Magazine profile?