Effective vs Ineffective Incorporation of Sources

The ICE Method is a structured approach to embedding evidence in writing. It helps ensure that quotes, facts, and data are smoothly incorporated and effectively analyzed. ICE stands for:

🔹 I – Introduce
🔹 C – Cite
🔹 E – Explain

Here’s a breakdown of each step with examples:

1. Introduce (I) – Set Up the Evidence

Before dropping a quote or piece of evidence, provide context.

• Who said it? (Author, expert, historical figure, etc.)
  
  
  
  

• Where is it from? (Study, book, article, speech, etc.)
  
  
  
  

• Why is it relevant? (How does it connect to your argument? This is like the commentary you provide in your argument and rhetorical analysis essays.)
  
  
  
  

• ✅ Good Example:
  Many psychologists argue that social media negatively impacts mental health. Dr. Lisa Thompson, a cognitive scientist, explains that constant exposure to curated online content fosters unrealistic comparisons, leading to increased anxiety and lower self-esteem among adolescents" (Source A).  In a world where young people are already overstimulated and inundated with unrealistic expectations, social media is throwing gasoline on a societal fire. 

🚫 Bad Example (Dropped Quote):
"Social media leads to increased anxiety and depression in teens" (Thompson 23).

🔹 Ineffective (dropped quote, lacks analysis):
Privacy has become a much less coveted aspect of modern society.  "Many Americans are deeply concerned about their privacy. 65% of people worry about data tracking' (Source A)."

🔹 Effective (smooth integration):
Privacy concerns are widespread, as Judy Smith, data analyst, notes that "65% of people worry about data tracking", which underscores the growing skepticism toward tech companies and their policies (Source A).

🔹 Ineffective (over-reliance on a single source/type):
"In 2020, 78% of employees reported increased stress levels (Source B). This shows that stress in the workplace is a big problem."

🔹 Effective (varied evidence and layered reasoning):
Workplace stress has reached alarming levels. A 2020 survey conducted by Reuters found that 78% of employees reported heightened stress (Source B).  This data mirrors historical trends during economic downturns. Psychologist Dr. Lee suggests that "the modern expectation of constant availability contributes to burnout," reinforcing the idea that digital connectivity, rather than workload alone, exacerbates employee stress (Source C).