Overview: Finding & Evaluating Sources
Introduction
Research relies on credible, relevant sources. Whether for a project or paper, finding the right information strengthens the quality of your work. This guide will walk you through how to identify, access, and evaluate various types of sources to improve your research skills.
Key Concepts
- Types of Sources: Learn the differences between primary, secondary, scholarly, and popular sources.
- Accessing Resources: Discover how to use library databases and other research tools.
- Evaluating Credibility: Develop skills to assess source reliability, accuracy, and relevance.
Significance
Using credible sources ensures your research is accurate, reliable, and well-supported. Strong sources build stronger arguments and help you avoid misinformation. Evaluating sources effectively also prepares you for making informed decisions in professional and personal contexts.
Getting Started Tips:
- Start broad: Explore a range of sources, then narrow down to the most relevant ones.
- Be flexible: Use books, articles, websites, and multimedia for a well-rounded perspective.
- Track your sources: Keep a record of where you found your information for easier citation later.