Different countries have different attitudes and rules about citizens carrying guns. In some countries, it is illegal for citizens to import, export, or own guns. However, in the United States, the right to bear arms is part of the Constitution. Many people feel very strongly about their right to bear arms. They suggest that the Second Amendment to the Constitution allows citizens to protect themselves from the schemes of dangerous criminals. Conversely, some people believe that more guns lead to more violence and argue that easy access to guns increases violent crime.

Mr. Seemy’s class was debating whether access to guns makes people more likely to commit violent crimes, like homicide or armed robbery. The dominant opinion in the class was that when people have guns, legal or not, more crime and violence will result. Brianna cited the tragedy at Virginia Tech as evidence that more guns will result in more violence. “Seung-Hui Cho bought a gun legally in 2007 and subsequently murdered 32 people on a college campus. Those people might be alive today if guns were illegal!”

Despite being in the minority, Lisa and Anthony spoke up in support of gun ownership. “Think about this: Those people might be alive today if one or more of them were carrying their own guns to defend themselves! More widespread gun possession could actually reduce gun murders.”

“A good scientist bases conclusions on evidence and facts, not just anecdotes and opinions,” said Mr. Seemy. “Can you find some statistics that support your opinions?”

The next day, Brianna, Lisa, and Anthony shared two sets of data.

Mark which data set you think Brianna brought in, and which one Lisa and Anthony brought in.

Brianna’s claim: Homicide rates correlate with gun ownership, so guns should be more regulated so that they are harder to get.

Lisa and Anthony’s claim: Homicide rates do not correlate with gun ownership, so making guns harder to get would not do any good.

Discussion Question:

How is it possible that both data tables show accurate information but lead to different conclusions? What problems can you identify with these data? What other data would you need to make a decision about whether guns result in more homicides?