WORKING TOWARDS THE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESEARCH PAPER

Identifying and Evaluating Sources

Exploratory Research

List all potential key terms.Do a preliminary search in our library

database.When you get stuck, approach the topic from

different angles. Browse key terms and abstracts of articles to add to

your search terms. Use a web search browser to find additional words or

approaches.Try, try again.Jot down awesome ideas as they arise.

Using Research to Focus your Topic

What kinds of conversations are people having?

Which conversations are relevant or interesting to you? Use your research as a way to begin to narrow your

topic and find a more specific research question. Framing your topic as a question will move you closer

to creating your thesis or central argument.

Examples of Research Questions

Courtesy of Cheryl Kojima Calligraphy

Why is calligraphy so important to Chinese culture? How has it developed or changed over time? Does it have any “relaxation” effects on the mind and body?

Scrapbooking How has it changed/developed over time? Where did it come from and how did we adopt it?

Collectors (Shoe and Game Card Collectors) What sparks their interest in getting the latest things? Why is a certain object worth so much? Is it really just a hobby, or is it an addiction? How does the brain cope with this?

Chef/Baker What is the difference between people who like to follow recipes and people who

like to experiment? Why do people love to cook/bake?

Tennis Players How has the sport grown over time? What goes through the brain of a tennis player during a game? Why are games always so intense and quiet?

Why Evaluate Sources?

Why is it important to evaluate sources . . . . . . in academic research or your professional life? . . . in everyday life or more informal research? . . . in this course – and for this essay?

Evaluating Sources using Critical Thinking

(Most) sources are not inherently “good” or “bad.”

Often, our evaluation of sources is context-specific. Example Source: A mommy blogger talking about

nutrition and development. When might this be considered unreliable? When might it

be useful? What information would your reader need if you used this

source in your essay?

Evaluating Sources in Context

In academic settings, however, some sources are considered more reliable. More reliable: Less reliable:

Evaluating Sources Using ABCD

Authority: Who created the content? What makes this author credible, accountable, or an authority on the topic?

Bias: What is the purpose and standpoint of this source? Is the bias clear or veiled?  What is the source’s purpose? Is it educational, commercial, or designed for entertainment?

Currency: When was this source created? Is this information still relevant?

Documentation: How well does this source support the information it provides? What kinds of citations or references (if any) does it use?