Do you have a research paper coming up?? Do you have no method to your madness to get the job done?? Well, the media center is here to help you. We promote the use of the Big 6 method of research. Below is some information about how to begin research and other resources to get the job done!
1. Formulate Your Question
Define your problem Write your Thesis |
2. Information Seeking
Gather resources Select the best Online Research Sources NCWISE OWL WCHS Media Center New Bern Public Library Google Scholar Library of Congress |
3. Locate and Access Information
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Finding Reputable Sources: A Guide
- Does the site author list qualifications? Is the author an authority? Government and university websites are reputable.
- Does the author cite sources? Are those sources referenced?
- Does the site or article sound credible? Is the tone authoritative?
- Is the database article from a peer-reviewed source? This lends credibility.
- Is the article timely? Was it written in the last 3-5 years? Earlier information may have been disproven or modified.
- Is the information fair and objective?
- Does the information validate or refute your understanding of the issue? Can the article be used as evidence in your document?
- Does the author back-up his or her arguments?
- Is the website active? Check URL links (Stapleton & Helms-Park, 2006).
- Was the information retrieved from Wikipedia? This is not a reputable source. Look-up and study any reference material at the bottom of the Wiki page for possible use.
ReferencesStapleton, P. & Helms-Park, R. (2006). Evaluating web sources in an EAP course: Introducing a multi-trait instrument for feedback and assessment. English for Specific Purposes, 25, 438-455.