Finding Sources
- 1. Finding Sources FROM THE WRITING CENTER @ THE A.R.C.
- 2. Finding Sources When attempting to create an essay, sources are sometimes required in order to make the essay have more integrity Unfortunately, finding sources may not always be simple. These are a few tips on how you can find credible sources.
- 3. Places To Search There are countless places you could search for sources: ◦ Local library ◦ Intern ◦ Specialized online databases
- 4. Examples of Source Types There are also numerous source types: Books, Reference Books, Magazines, Journals, Newspapers Interviews, Catalogs, etcetera
- 5. Hierarchy (Ranking) of Sources Primary Sources Primary sources are the original source. They can include first hand experiences and even interviews. Secondary Sources Secondary sources are not the original source of information. They are generally analyses of the primary source, including historical documents
- 6. Resources to Consult When Conducting Research Source It Provides Is it Useful Where it Can be Located Scholarly Books Highly detailed with full documentation Highly useful Library, Google Scholar Scholarly Journals Primarily researched by scholars and scientists with careful documentation Highly useful Library, databases Newspapers Contains current events Good starting point Library, microfilm, databases Magazines Generally covers a wide variety of topics Can be useful if the magazine is regarded as serious Libraries, newsstands, databases
- 7. Resources to Consult When Conducting Research Source It Provides Is it Useful Where it Can Be Located Encyclopedias Brief articles Good starting point Libraries, Internet Wikipedia Open-sourceencyclopedia Generallynot accepted for academic papers www.Wikipedia.org Special Collections Maps, paintings, and articles Highly useful for specific projects Libraries,museums, Internet Government/Academic Sites Vast amounts of compiled data Highly useful Internet sites ending in .gov, .edu,.org Commercial Web Sites Various subject information Canbe useful if avoiding biases Internet Blogs Specializedtopic discussions Useful withother credible sources Internet Personal Web Sites Unique information Rarelyused with varied content Internet
- 8. A Final Tip: The C. R. A. P. Test Currency How recent is the information? How recently has the website been updated? Is it current enough for your topic? Reliability What kind of information is included in the resource? Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is it balanced? Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations? Authority Who is the creator or author? What are the credentials? Who is the publisher or sponsor? Are they reputable? What is the publisher’s interest (if any) in this information? Are there advertisements on the website? Purpose/Point of View Is this fact or opinion? Is the creator/author trying to sell you something? Is it biased?