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- When the interviews have been completed, students take turns “introducing” the
person they interview to the class. Introductions should only include information
the student being introduced is comfortable having disclosed to the whole class. - Students discuss what they learned about culture and identity in completing this
exercise.
Estimated time: 20 min for interviews (if done in class); 10 min per dyad for
introductions
Activity 5: Structured Controversy
The structured controversy activity gives you an opportunity to try on and evaluate
alternative perspectives. Address the following situation using the steps and time
allotments for each step as described in the structured controversy instructions.
Situation
A 16-year-old healthy patient with a family history of HD requests testing. The
patient is at 50% risk. His father was affected and recently died. The patient’s
mother is adamant that he not be tested at this time. She is concerned that he will not
be able to deal emotionally with a positive test result and that a positive result could
have major negative effects on other decisions he is currently facing (e.g., going to
college, employment, relationships, etc.). Although there are guidelines for testing
minors, not everyone follows these, especially when the minor is an older adoles-
cent. You need to decide whether you support the mother’s position or the son’s
position. No matter which position you support, you will need to be able to discuss
your reasoning behind your decision.
Structured Controversy Instructions
- Assign one person to be the timekeeper.
- Count off the participants; odd numbers will take one position, and even numbers
will take an alternate position. - Initially the odd-numbered people will take the mother’s perspective, and the
even-numbered people will take the patient’s perspective.
Assigned Perspective
- Prepare presentation with partner(s) (20 min).
- Present arguments (5 min per side; 10 min total).
- Ask clarification questions when the opposite side finishes presenting (5 min
total). - General discussion (5 min).
Estimated time: 40 min.Reverse Perspective
- Prepare presentation with partner(s) (10 min).
13 Professionalism: Ethically Based Reflective Practice