4: Finding and Evaluating Research Sources
- Page ID
- 7379
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 4.1: Introduction
- This page emphasizes the significance of sourcing in research writing, highlighting the importance of finding diverse and credible sources. It outlines how to locate and evaluate both primary and secondary sources while underscoring that effective sourcing is essential for crafting persuasive messages and establishing credibility. By selecting appropriate sources, writers can better engage readers and enhance the trustworthiness of their work.
- 4.2: Types of Research Sources
- This page explores the importance of information in today's world and the need to understand primary and secondary sources for effective writing and research. It explains that primary sources offer direct evidence, while secondary sources provide analysis of these materials. The text notes the shift from traditional printed sources to electronic formats, emphasizing the necessity for critical evaluation of information from both libraries and online resources.
- 4.3: Know your Library
- This page offers a comprehensive overview of the TRCC Donald Welter Library, detailing its physical and online resources. It underscores the significance of understanding library materials such as books and special collections, and recommends consulting reference librarians. Tips for familiarization include taking tours, utilizing the website, and engaging with the resources.
- 4.4: Cyber-library: Online Resources
- This page discusses the extensive web resources available in college and university libraries, highlighting their access to millions of documents not found in physical collections. It recommends using library websites for organized and reliable searches, featuring resources like catalogs, databases, and guides. The page emphasizes the importance of practice in mastering these digital tools and encourages students to explore and utilize their library's offerings effectively.
- 4.5: Online Database Searching
- This page highlights the significance of using both print and electronic sources in research. It covers the evolution of online databases, the legitimacy of internet sources, and the unique pros and cons of each format. Researchers are urged to assess the reliability of materials from both mediums, recognizing that some sources may be exclusive to print or online. Informed resource selection is essential for improving the quality of research and writing.
- 4.6: Determining the Suitability and Reliability of Research Sources
- This page examines the reliability of printed versus electronic sources in academic research, highlighting the rigorous review of library materials as a marker of trustworthiness. It advises researchers to assess source suitability based on factors like scope, audience, timeliness, and authority, rather than solely on truthfulness.
- 4.7: Website Authors and Publishers
- This page highlights the significance of assessing website credibility through URL extensions like ".com," ".org," ".edu," and ".gov," which provide insights into the site's nature and potential biases. It stresses the necessity of recognizing motives behind content, especially for political organizations, and acknowledges that website design also affects credibility. Overall, it advocates for a critical evaluation of online sources.
- 4.8: Conclusion
- This page discusses the importance of establishing authority in writing to persuade audiences, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of credible sources. It stresses that researchers should not accept information blindly, but instead build on existing knowledge with new perspectives. The chapter highlights evaluation techniques to foster understanding, ensuring a solid foundation for developing original insights in writing.
- 4.9: Writing Activities
- This page outlines activities to improve research and writing skills by examining primary and secondary sources. It encourages exploring diverse perspectives, gathering various sources, and summarizing findings. Guidance on utilizing library resources and engaging with librarians is included, along with activities focused on evaluating websites for purpose, audience, biases, and research methods. The overall message highlights the importance of thorough research in writing projects.