Welcome to the Debate Evaluation!


You'll be evaluating a debate where two sides discuss a topic. Your opinion matters - you'll vote how persuasive each side is in each stage. We will use your feedback to improve the debate quality.

What to Expect:

Debate Structure

The full debate includes:

  • Opening: 4 min audio per side
  • Rebuttal: 4 min audio per side
  • Closing: 2 min audio per side

You'll evaluate a portion of this debate.

Your Evaluation Tasks

For each stage, you'll:

  • Rate the persuasiveness of each side's statements
  • Update your position after hearing each argument
  • Provide optional feedback
Final Comparison

In the final stage:

  • You'll see two versions of each side's closing statement
  • Rate each version independently
  • Select which version you found more persuasive
Important: Before beginning, you'll vote for the side you initially support. After each stage, you'll have the opportunity to reconsider and update your position based on the arguments presented.
Note: Throughout the evaluation, you'll encounter attention check questions to ensure data quality. Participants who demonstrate thoughtful engagement will receive compensation as agreed. If you're unable to commit to providing quality responses, you may exit the survey at any time without penalty.
Second Questionnaire: This questionnaire takes around 10 minutes. After submitting this questionnaire, you will be automatically redirected to the next questionnaire, which will take around 15 minutes. If both questionnaires are completed, you will receive the compensation as agreed. If you are unable to commit to completing both questionnaires at this time, please feel free to exit. We understand that your time is valuable and appreciate your participation thus far.

Rating Guide for Persuasiveness:

1
Poor

Limited evidence with poor organization or fundamental logic flaws. Disengage with no audience awareness.

2
Weak

Reasonable statements with at least one noticeable weakness.

3
Moderate

Reasonable statements, which provide on-topic evidence with logical flow and balanced emotional tone showing basic audience awareness

4
Strong

Reasonable statements with at least one impressive shining points.

5
Compelling

Powerful evidence with effective counterpoints and create deep connection with audience.

* indicate required question

Motion: Labor Unions Are Beneficial To Economic Growth


Question 1: Pre-Vote Stage
Question 2: Opening Stage
Output A - For Side
(Optional) For - Transcript A
Good morning, everyone. We're here today to discuss the undeniably beneficial role that labor unions play in economic growth. Let’s define labor unions as organizations representing workers, advocating for better wages, improved working conditions, and overall well-being through collective bargaining. These efforts are undeniably beneficial to economic growth.

We will measure economic growth using key indicators: GDP, productivity, and income equality. These metrics will help us demonstrate the tangible positive impact of unions on the overall economy.

First, labor unions boost wages, and this increase directly fuels economic growth. Increased wages empower workers. With more money, they purchase more goods and services, stimulating demand and fostering economic expansion. This effect is particularly pronounced for low- and middle-income workers, who are most likely to spend any additional income, injecting it directly back into the economy. According to *a recent analysis by the Center for American Progress in 2024*, union households hold significantly more wealth, with a median of $338,482 compared to $199,948 for nonunion households . This increased wealth translates directly into increased consumer spending. Furthermore, *the Economic Policy Institute* finds that a high school graduate in an industry that is 25% unionized is paid 5% more than similar workers in less unionized industries . This demonstrates that unions not only raise wages for their members but also set a pay standard that benefits non-union workers as well. This increase in wages leads to higher GDP and greater economic growth.

Second, collective bargaining through unions reduces income inequality, leading to a stronger and more resilient middle class. Union negotiations help ensure workers receive a fairer share of the profits they help create. It's about ensuring that the wealth generated by hardworking individuals isn't disproportionately concentrated at the top. This narrowing of the gap between the rich and the poor strengthens the middle class, creating a more balanced and sustainable economy. *Research featured in the Quarterly Journal of Economics* shows that the rise of unions from 1936 to 1968 explains about 25% of the decline in the Gini coefficient, a key measure of income inequality. Moreover, *the U.S. Department of the Treasury* confirms that unions help reduce income inequality and help both union and non-union workers earn higher wages . By advocating for policies that promote fairer income distribution, unions ensure that economic growth is more inclusive and benefits a broader segment of society. This reduction in income inequality leads to a stronger middle class and greater economic growth.

In conclusion, labor unions are not just beneficial for workers; they are beneficial for the entire economy. They boost wages and reduce income inequality. Therefore, support policies that strengthen labor unions for a more prosperous and equitable economy. For these reasons, we firmly believe that labor unions are, without a doubt, beneficial to economic growth.

Output B - For Side
(Optional) For Transcript B
Good morning, everyone. We stand firm today in our assertion that labor unions are undeniably beneficial to economic growth. To ensure clarity, let's define our terms. Labor unions are organizations representing workers, advocating for improved wages, working conditions, and overall well-being through collective bargaining. Economic growth, as we'll discuss it, is measured by key indicators such as GDP, productivity, and income equality across all demographics and income levels within our interconnected global economy.

Therefore, we assert that the most critical criteria for evaluating this debate are overall economic indicators like GDP, productivity, and income equality. These metrics directly reflect tangible benefits to all members of society, not just a select few.

The engine of economic growth is consumer spending, and unions play a vital role in fueling it by advocating for fair wages that demonstrably boost wages. First, consider that higher wages translate directly into increased consumer spending, a major driver of economic growth. When workers have more disposable income, they are far more likely to purchase goods and services, stimulating demand and creating jobs. This creates a positive feedback loop that benefits the entire economy. According to a 2022 report by the *Century Foundation* , raising wages and reducing income inequality through unions spurs economic growth. In fact, the *Century Foundation's* research has shown that the decline of unions over the past few decades may have contributed to slower economic growth . Moreover, *recent analysis from the Center for American Progress* shows that union households hold significantly more wealth, with a median of $338,482 compared to $199,948 for nonunion households . This increased wealth further drives consumer spending and economic activity.

Second, unions are instrumental in reducing income inequality through collective bargaining, leading to a stronger and more resilient middle class. By negotiating for better wages and benefits for all workers, unions help to close the gap between the highest and lowest earners. *Research featured in The Journalist's Resource in 2021* highlights that the rise of unions from 1936 to 1968 explains about 25% of the decline during that period in the Gini coefficient, a common measure of income inequality . Furthermore, the *Economic Policy Institute* finds that strong unions set a pay standard that nonunion employers follow .

Third, labor unions prioritize worker training and skills development, leading to increased productivity and enhanced competitiveness in the global market. *MEPI Policy Analyst Andrew Wilson* notes that union programs include a self-financing instrument that does not exist in the nonunion side of the industry . *The Communication Workers of America *, for example, negotiated with AT&T for training programs in emerging technologies, resulting in employees acquiring skills in data analytics and cybersecurity .

In conclusion, labor unions contribute significantly to economic growth by boosting wages, reducing income inequality, and investing in worker training. These factors collectively lead to a stronger, more equitable, and more competitive economy for all. Supporting labor unions is not just about economic progress; it's about creating a society where everyone has a fair chance to succeed. We firmly believe that supporting labor unions is supporting economic progress. We urge you to support policies that empower workers and promote fair labor practices.


(Optional) Question 5: Which factors were most crucial in your assessment?
(Optional) Question 6: How long did you spend on this whole evaluation process (including reading the motion, listening to the debate, and answering the questions)?

If you find that you can't submit the results, please check back to see if you have filled in your name and if you have answered every required question with *. Thank you.

© CMU Debate Team