The Research Paper:Doing Research—The Internet and Beyond

Announcements: Library Workshops for Extra Credit

4/29, Tues 12:30pm Research LRC205

4/30, Wed 12:30pm Databases LRC205

5/5, Mon 2:15pm Research LRC205

5/6, Tues 12:30pm MLA LRC205

5/7, Wed 12:30pm Ebooks LRC205

5/8, Thur 2:15pm Databases LRC205

Finding Sources:• Keyword searches are very important. • See page 341.• Using “quotation marks” to narrow your search

• If you aren’t sure what keywords to use, try freewriting, clustering, or building thought a Wordle at www.wordle.net

• Read page 344- 353 in your textbook for more helpful advice on searching the internet and databases!

Evaluating SourcesKnow if your source is trustworthy or not.•This is very important! If you are getting your information from a bad source, it can throw off your whole essay.• Turn to page 369 in your textbook.

•First thing to look for when determining if a source it legit: • Does the article have an author? • Does the article have a date of publication?• Compare three sources: pg. 368

General Internet Research: Work with Caution• You can also get more accurate research on Google if you

learn to use Google’s filters on the side bar. (“News” is a useful filter)

• Also, you can search for scholarly articles by going to http://scholar.google.com. Keep in mind these may be too long/complex. But check it out anyway!

• Do not ever cite Wikipeida as a source. It is NOT considered a reliable or academic source. Same with “study guide” sites like Shmoop or SparkNotes or Cliff Notes• If you absolutely cannot find the information anywhere else, you may

look at a Wikipedia entry for ONE PURPOSE ONLY: To use their citation system to find the ORIGINAL SOURCE of the information. When you see a number link in a wiki article, click and it will take you to a citation at the bottom of the page. You may use this to go to the original source.• If the claim or information is not cited, it cannot be fully

trusted. Do not use it, or search for it elsewhere.

So what are some Reputable Sources?• Peer reviewed academic journals • find through library website

• Reputable websites and articles from reliable news sources, websites run by trustworthy organizations• Treat websites with caution. The internet contains a

wealth of information, but unless you know the credentials of the person posting the opinions/interpretations of a work, tread carefully. Come see me if you have any questions.

• Articles or Material from any of our library databases

Library Research• LAMC Library Resources are available from the

lamission.edu main library webpage. • Databases on the Library Website that will probably be

useful are: • ProQuest (articles from newspapers and magazines

and journals worldwide)• CQ Researcher (excellent in-depth coverage of a

variety of topics) • Opposing Viewpoints (clearly laid out information on

both side of a variety of topics)

• Let’s try it out. Together we will search for some potential topics on these databases.

Doing Research• Don’t put it off until the last minute!• It is an extremely bad idea to put off your research to the

last minute. • Research can help you narrow your topic• In fact, research can help you determine if the topic is

even right for you!• Set a schedule. • Turn to page 336• If you have a schedule-keeper or a calendar, you might want

to get it out and consult it as you put together this schedule for yourself. • If you don’t have a calendar or schedule keeper, I highly

suggest you get one! It’s an academic essential!

Visit Library• AND Reminders For Thursday

• Thursday, May 1Topics: Keeping On-Track and Choosing Sources Wisely. Homework Due:

• Read “Keeping Track: Managing Information Overload” p. 362--366

• “Evaluating Sources” p. 367--371