Source Evaluation
Research Help
How do I find the best information for my research purpose?
Useful Terms
USEFUL TERMS
- Abstract: a brief summary of an article to help the reader understand the purpose
- Bibliography: a list of the sources used in research
- Database: a searchable collection of information
- Keywords: the important terms from a research topic
- Reference resources: research tools such as encyclopedias and dictionaries
Other Source Questions
OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT SOURCES
- Is the information considered current for my topic?
- What bias does the information show, if any?
- Can this information be verified elsewhere?
- Did the author cite their sources or provide evidence?
Note on Wikipedia
A NOTE ON WIKIPEDIA
When you don't know much about a topic, Wikipedia is a great place to start for a couple of reasons:
1. You can read an overview of the topic to learn more and even narrow down a few keywords.
2. You can follow the references at the bottom of the page to find useable resources.
However...
Wikipedia is not a valid source for research. You should never have it in your bibliography.
Source Evaluation Infographic
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
PRIMARY VS. SECONDARY SOURCES
Search Tools
SEARCH STRATEGIES
And - for example: software AND engineer (note that a space between words also accomplishes this) will contain results with both terms
Or - for example: industry OR workforce will contain results on industry, workforce, or both
Not - for example: library NOT public (note that the - key also accomplishes this) will exclude public in the results
" " - for example: "culinary program" will only contain results with the exact phrase
* - for example: manag* will contain results including manage, manager, managing, management, etc.
