Debate: Probability vs. Non-Probability Sampling

Debate Instructions and Roles

Debate Resolution

Resolved: Probability samples are the only true foundation for survey science; non-probability samples are a waste of time.

Each team has 7 students. Every student has a speaking role. Work together to coordinate arguments so they are clear, complementary, and persuasive.

  • Team Affirmative: Ben, Vanessa, Charlie, Renata, Riley, Joy, and Alexis
  • Team Negative: Bulbul, Laken, Nate, Lauren, Abby, Elizabeth, and Anna

You may use notes and the whiteboard during the debate, but slides are not allowed.

Opening Statements (1 student per team)

Purpose: Set the stage. Define terms and explain the basics of your sampling method.
- Do not yet emphasize strengths or weaknesses.
- Keep it clear and accessible so everyone understands the foundation.
- Time: ~5 minutes each
- Speakers:
- Affirmative Opening Speaker
- Negative Opening Speaker

Main Arguments (3 students per team)

Purpose: Build your strongest case for your side.
- Break your case into three distinct arguments.
- Each presenter explains one argument clearly and persuasively.
- Use concepts from class and cite evidence (e.g., articles) where possible.
- Time: ~3–5 minutes each
- Speakers:
- Affirmative Argument Presenters (3 students)
- Negative Argument Presenters (3 students)

Cross-Examination (2 students per team)

Purpose: Challenge the opposing team’s arguments directly.
- Take careful notes during the debate.
- Ask concise, probing questions to reveal weaknesses in the other side’s arguments.
- Example questions:
- To Affirmative: If probability samples are the only true science, why are major firms shifting toward non-probability panels?
- To Negative: If non-probability samples are valid, how do you know when results are biased?
- Time: ~10 minutes per side
- Speakers:
- Negative Cross-Examiners (questions for Affirmative)
- Affirmative Cross-Examiners (questions for Negative)

Closing Statements (1 student per team)

Purpose: Wrap up the debate and leave the audience with your strongest points.
- Summarize your team’s core arguments.
- Reinforce why your side has the stronger case.
- Respond briefly to criticisms raised in cross-examination.
- End with a memorable statement.
- Time: ~5 minutes each
- Speakers:
- Affirmative Closing Speaker
- Negative Closing Speaker

Preparation Notes

  • Preparation is collective: even if you are not speaking on a point, help teammates with evidence, examples, and counter-arguments.
  • Use course materials.
  • Anticipate rebuttals: think carefully about how the other team will respond to your claims.
  • Practice your timing so your remarks fit within the limits. I will be keeping time.

Debate Scoring Rubric

Each judge will score both teams on a 1–5 scale for each category below.
- 1 = Poor | 3 = Adequate | 5 = Excellent

Clarity and Organization

  1. Did the team explain their arguments in a clear, logical, and easy-to-follow way?
  2. Were definitions and key ideas presented in a way that a non-expert could understand?

Use of Evidence

  1. Did the team support their claims with evidence (readings, examples, or real-world cases)?
  2. Did they explain how the evidence supports their position?

Persuasiveness

  1. Did the team make a compelling case for their side?
  2. Did they respond effectively to challenges from the other team?

Teamwork and Balance

  1. Did all team members contribute meaningfully?
  2. Did the team seem coordinated and prepared?

Total Score

  • Add up the five category scores for each team (maximum = 40).
  • The team with the higher total wins the debate.