Alternative Research Path

          The topic that I originally chose for my research paper was whether or not standardized testing could accurately and effectively measure student intellect and competency. If I hadn't settled on that topic, however, I probably would have chosen a topic along the lines of the decriminalization of marijuana. The main reason I would have chosen this topic is because, although marijuana is quickly becoming more acceptable in many areas of the United States, I truly believe that it is still misunderstood by a vast majority of the population. Rather than just sound like a typical stoner, vying for support because I think weed is cool, I would have wanted to flush out the specific instances where marijuana has provided the necessary support for individuals struggling with both mental and physical ailments as well as delve into the reasons why it is still vastly taboo in many political debates.

          If I were to decide on using this as my topic, one article I would use as a source would be the Washington Post article explaining that for the first time, a majority of the population is in favor of the legalization of marijuana. It would be effective in my paper because it would showcase how the majority of individuals feel about marijuana and how the perception of the substance as a criminal thing has dramatically shifted over the years. The main reason I did not choose this issue as my topic is because I feel as if it is a bit overdone and cliché. It is such a hot topic currently, especially being in Colorado, that I feel it would be a more effective use of my time to highlight the errors and inaccuracy in standardized testing, which applies to a vastly larger portion of the population, namely every single student in public schools.