Decision Making Guide

To Ban or Not to Ban

 

 

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Question:  Should the local government ban cigarette smoking in restaurants in order to limit the effects of secondhand smoke? 

  Directions:

  1. Visit at least two of the sites listed under your role. Determine whether that group would answer “yes” or “no” to the question posed. Circle “yes” or “no” in the appropriate place on the chart.  Check to see that you and other members of your group have the same answer.
  2. Go back to the sites and list the three best arguments the group gives in support of that position. (Hint: Most of these arguments focus on health, economics, or individual rights).  Then list any supporting facts related to that argument. 
  3. In the column labeled “Type” indicate whether the argument is related to health (H), economics (E), or individual rights (R).
  4. After you have completed the assigned section of your chart, discuss your findings with others in your base group to make sure you understand the arguments. Your information may vary depending on which sites you visited.
  5. Meet with your jigsaw group and share your findings with others, who will, in turn, share theirs. Record the information on the appropriate place in the chart.
  6. Discuss and informally debate the issue with your group. Which organizations are for the ban? Which are against it? Whose arguments seem to be the most compelling?  Do any of the arguments given by one group refute the arguments of another? If you think an argument is weak, put a small “X” through it.
  7. Make an individual decision regarding the question.
  8. After you have made a decision, circle the three best arguments that support your view.

 

 

Argument
Type

Restaurant Owners and Tobacco

Companies say:

(Circle One)

YES                          NO

Argument and Supporting Facts
1

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argument
Type

Non-Smokers say:

(Circle One)

YES                          NO

Argument and Supporting Facts
1

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Argument
Type

The Media says:

(Circle One)

YES                          NO

Argument and Supporting Facts
1

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Argument
Type

 

Public Health Officials say:

(Circle One)

YES                          NO

Argument and Supporting Facts
1

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

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