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A Focused, Well-Defined Problem: Citing Research Studies

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Brownell and Frieden identify the problem for which they are proposing a solution in broad terms as the “obesity epidemic” (par. 1). However, they frame the issue by focusing on “sugar-sweetened beverages” (par. 2). To support a causal connection between consuming sugar-sweetened beverages and obesity, they cite research studies.

ANALYZE & WRITE

Write a few paragraphs analyzing more closely how Brownell and Frieden use research to establish a causal connection between sweetened drinks and obesity:

  1. Skim paragraph 3 to identify the findings Brownell and Frieden summarize there. Note that these are the findings of a “meta-analysis,” which compares different studies researching the same question.
  2. Consider how effectively, if at all, these findings support Brownell and Frieden’s argument about a cause-effect relationship between consuming sugar-sweetened beverages and obesity.
  3. Think about what kinds of studies were done and consider how Brownell and Frieden rate these different kinds of studies. Why might it be helpful for Brownell and Frieden’s readers from the New England Journal of Medicine to know the kinds of studies that have been used and which ones employ “the best methods” and get “the strongest effects”?

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