HOW DOES THE DECISION GET MADE?
The judge, if topicality is not an issue, balances the arguments of one team against those of another. That is simple to say, but it is often easier understood when demonstrated through pictures. Here are two graphic representations which may help. See if you can figure them out on your own, they are puzzles.
TUNA’S EQUATION
S = AFF SIGNIFICANCE ESTABLISHED I = DEGREE TO WHICH STATUS QUO CANNOT SOLVE V = AFF SOLVENCY ESTABLISHED D = RISK OF DISADVANTAGE UNIQUE TO AFF CCP = COMPETITIVE COUNTERPLAN ADVANTAGE
[S(I)V] > D = AFF [S(I)V] < D = NEG [S(I)V] > D + CCP = AFF [S(I)V] < D + CCP = NEG
If S = 10,000 lives, I = .8, V = .5 & D = 5,000 lives, who wins?
AUNT BLUEBELL'S SCALES
Rounded rectangles represent policy position advocated.
Sharp rectangles represent impact established.
Circles represent arguments modifying impacts.
A+ = added to affirmative, A- = subtracted from affirmative
N+ = added to negative, N- = subtracted from negative