- How can we efficiently develop powerful argumentation skills in middle and high school students?

- What does powerful argumentation look like?  What do "expert arguers" do that is different and more effective than novices?  To what extent does socialization in a domain affect argumentation?

- How does skilled argumentation relate to civic action? Said another way, does improving argumentation abilities lead to more civic action (or vice versa)?  By what means?  Through what channels?  In what domains?

- In what ways does argumentation underly civic literacies (such as scientific literacy)?

- What kind of argumentation (disputative, deliberative) is most helpful for concept development and learning?  What about developing scientific literacy?  What about engaging in genuine persuasion?

Implicit in these questions are measurement questions.  Specifically: 

- Can we measure argumentation on a large scale?  

- How can create a measurement environment that is motivating enough to prompt students to use their full argumentative abilities?