SlideShare ist ein Scribd-Unternehmen logo
1 von 18
Downloaden Sie, um offline zu lesen
RESEARCH 101
  This is a self-paced tutorial to provide you with the necessary
  skills to find and use information and to evaluate and use it
  wisely for writing research papers and essays.




You will learn to answer this question:
1. Where should I look for sources?
Choosing proper sources
• Now that you have defined your topic, you are ready to
  start gathering information.
• After completing this section you will be able to:
        • Identify types of information available

      • Understand how information is created

      • Determine which types of information could be
        useful for your assignment
Types of information
Click on a type to explore it’s characteristics, advantages and limitations

• Encyclopedias


• Books


• Academic Journals


• Magazines and Newspapers


• Web Sites
Encyclopedias
Characteristics:
        - Provides context for a topic through introductory overviews
        - Information on concepts, people, places, events
        - General encyclopedias cover a broad range of areas
        - Subject encyclopedias provide introductory to in-depth information on a
           specific subject

Advantages:
        - Helpful starting point for assignments
        - Generate ideas for assignments
        - Subject encyclopedias attempt to cover various ideas with a particular
           field
        - Contain useful bibliographies with additional resources

Limitations:
          - Not as current as articles
          - Does not provide in-depth information and should not be used as the only
            source for an assignment
Example: Your topic is Feminism

You can start by looking in the Encyclopedia Britannica
to get some broad ideas. Then for more in-depth
information you can try a subject encyclopedia such as:

      Encyclopedia of Women and Gender
      Encyclopedia of Women’s History in America
Books
Characteristics:
       - Usually provide overviews from general to specific
       - Incorporates an author’s or other’s theory of a topic

Advantages:
       - Authoritative and detailed source
       - Provides in-depth treatment of a subject
       - Table of contents and index can help focus research on a particular
                section
       - Bibliographies point to more sources of information

Limitations:
         - Content and information may not be as current as articles
         - May contain too much information to process for the assignment
Academic Journals
Characteristics:
        - Purpose is to report on current research conducted by professional
        - In-depth articles cover specific issues or research questions
        - Language and content is geared toward other professionals
        - Uses tables and graphs to support information
        - Contain bibliographies for additional sources of information
        - Peer reviewed (articles submitted to publishers are reviewed by
          experts or peers that evaluate the work based on originality,
        quality, and currency)

Advantages:
        - Information is more current than books or encyclopedias
        - Information is accurate and reliable
        - Bibliographies point to information used to support article

Limitations:
          - History of topic is usually not presented
          - Articles may cover only one aspect of your assignment topic
How do I know if its an academic journal?
- Make sure the author’s name and credentials
  (degree, university) are clearly stated.


- When using a database, look for a limit feature
  that lets you search for academic journals only.
We have paper copies of these journal available:

               Journal of AHIMA
     Journal of the American Medical Association
          Oriental Medicine Journal

 And many more titles available on databases:
      Journal of Business & Psychology
              Women in Business
   Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice

             And Hundreds More!
Magazines and Newspapers
Characteristics
        Purpose is to inform and entertain.
        The content and language is geared toward a general audience
        Articles are short, written by journalists (not experts) and use photographs

Advantages
        Good for generating ideas on issues and learning about current events
        Newspapers are good for tracking events as they happen
        Provide coverage for government and business news

Limitations
          Present a non-academic perspective
          Authors are not experts
          Usually do not include bibliographies
Examples

Magazines:

                     Time
                   Newsweek
              National Geographic
                The Economist
                    Vogue

Newspapers:

               Chicago Tribune
              Wall Street Journal
               New York Times
Websites
Characteristics
        Offer immediate access to current information
        “Publishers” are varied and can be anyone
        Information on wealth of topics
        Easy to access and use
        Powerful marketing tool

Advantages
        Good for certain types of information: news, government associations and
        documents, current events, quick facts, travel and maps, culture information
        business products, shopping, opinions

Limitations
          Not everything is on Google
          Information overload – too many websites to sift through to find information
          Authority, reliability, accuracy, currency all need to be evaluated
          Not everything is free
          Advertisements and website sponsors can lead to biased information
Tip:
            For some types of information the web is great.
Organizations, Associations, and Publishers can be trustworthy places to
                  find resources for your assignment.

 However – many websites are created by anonymous authors and can
           provide questionable or even wrong information.

To make best use of the internet always evaluate the quality of what you
                                  find.
Selecting your sources
• Understanding the types of sources can help determine
 which ones to use when looking for specific information.
 • If you want:


      • General Overview try a general or subject encyclopedia
      • Specific definition try a general or subject dictionary
      • Timeline of event try looking at newspapers or the internet
      • Results of opinion polls try searching magazines, newspapers, and
        the internet
      • Reliable data to strengthen an argument you present in a paper, the
        best resources are academic journals, books, and other detailed
        information
Example: Your research question is: Does education in prisons
play a role in reducing recidivism?

         You have already read entries in encyclopedias and
identified books that relate to the topic using the library’s
OASIS catalog.


You now need more current research-focused information –
you need academic articles.

Did you know there is a Journal of Correctional Education
available via the EBSCO database with articles such as:
        “The Hope Bridge Program: Addressing Recidivism
Through Education and Employment.”
How is information created?
• Knowing how information is created can help you know
 where to look.
 • Any event triggers an information cycle
   • Beginning with immediate coverage on television, the internet, and
     radio.
   • Newspapers and magazines provide coverage in the following days and
     weeks.
   • As time goes by, additional information appears in academic journals
     and books.
The events of September 11, 2001 provide a useful illustration of an information
cycle:
                                                Same Day
                        Television, radio, internet reports of events as they happen




                                                 Next Day
               Newspaper articles from around the world surface along with continued reports
                                     from television, radio and internet



                                              Weeks Later
                            Weekly magazines provide more depth of coverage




                                              Months Later
                Academic articles focus on broader topics of terrorism and the impact of the
                                                 events



                                               Years Later
                 Academic articles are still being published in addition to books for general
                   audiences providing information on the consequences of the events
Summary
• For every assignment you will likely need a variety of
 sources:
    • Encyclopedias & Books – provide overviews of topics from general to
     specific

    • Magazines & Newspapers – geared toward general public and provide
     information on business and government topics

    • Academic Journals – provide current research written by experts in their
     field

    • Websites – provide an unending stream of information, but you have to
     evaluate all that you find.

    Next: Using search tools to locate your resources!

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Was ist angesagt?

Accessing the CCNY Electronic Library
Accessing the CCNY Electronic LibraryAccessing the CCNY Electronic Library
Accessing the CCNY Electronic LibraryRobLaurich
 
The Information cycle
The Information cycleThe Information cycle
The Information cycleQCCLibrary
 
W2-Unit1-finding info-intro-81313-230pm
W2-Unit1-finding info-intro-81313-230pmW2-Unit1-finding info-intro-81313-230pm
W2-Unit1-finding info-intro-81313-230pmJill McKeon
 
Staying Current Using Blogs & RSS Feeds
Staying Current Using Blogs & RSS FeedsStaying Current Using Blogs & RSS Feeds
Staying Current Using Blogs & RSS FeedsAmanda Stone
 
English 145 week 2
English 145 week 2 English 145 week 2
English 145 week 2 lisyaseloni
 
How the Library Can Help You Get Published
How the Library Can Help You Get PublishedHow the Library Can Help You Get Published
How the Library Can Help You Get PublishedSophie vd Walt
 
Arlington high school new york spring 2015
Arlington high school   new york spring 2015Arlington high school   new york spring 2015
Arlington high school new york spring 2015k-baril
 
Preparing for Speeches and Public Speaking
Preparing for Speeches and Public SpeakingPreparing for Speeches and Public Speaking
Preparing for Speeches and Public SpeakingJenna Rinalducci
 
Top tips for library research
Top tips for library researchTop tips for library research
Top tips for library researchMegan Heuer
 
Science Faculty Toolkit
Science Faculty ToolkitScience Faculty Toolkit
Science Faculty ToolkitMichelle Orr
 
Lpf.2014
Lpf.2014Lpf.2014
Lpf.2014jmu2m
 
What is a good source
What is a good sourceWhat is a good source
What is a good sourcekristinmlis
 

Was ist angesagt? (16)

Accessing the CCNY Electronic Library
Accessing the CCNY Electronic LibraryAccessing the CCNY Electronic Library
Accessing the CCNY Electronic Library
 
The Information Cycle...
The Information Cycle...The Information Cycle...
The Information Cycle...
 
The Information cycle
The Information cycleThe Information cycle
The Information cycle
 
W2-Unit1-finding info-intro-81313-230pm
W2-Unit1-finding info-intro-81313-230pmW2-Unit1-finding info-intro-81313-230pm
W2-Unit1-finding info-intro-81313-230pm
 
Staying Current Using Blogs & RSS Feeds
Staying Current Using Blogs & RSS FeedsStaying Current Using Blogs & RSS Feeds
Staying Current Using Blogs & RSS Feeds
 
English 145 week 2
English 145 week 2 English 145 week 2
English 145 week 2
 
How the Library Can Help You Get Published
How the Library Can Help You Get PublishedHow the Library Can Help You Get Published
How the Library Can Help You Get Published
 
2009 Library Resources
2009 Library Resources2009 Library Resources
2009 Library Resources
 
Arlington high school new york spring 2015
Arlington high school   new york spring 2015Arlington high school   new york spring 2015
Arlington high school new york spring 2015
 
Preparing for Speeches and Public Speaking
Preparing for Speeches and Public SpeakingPreparing for Speeches and Public Speaking
Preparing for Speeches and Public Speaking
 
Top tips for library research
Top tips for library researchTop tips for library research
Top tips for library research
 
Science Faculty Toolkit
Science Faculty ToolkitScience Faculty Toolkit
Science Faculty Toolkit
 
1 hf research_journey
1 hf research_journey1 hf research_journey
1 hf research_journey
 
1 Hf Research Journey
1 Hf Research Journey1 Hf Research Journey
1 Hf Research Journey
 
Lpf.2014
Lpf.2014Lpf.2014
Lpf.2014
 
What is a good source
What is a good sourceWhat is a good source
What is a good source
 

Ähnlich wie Choosing proper sources

Sources of information
Sources of informationSources of information
Sources of informationmcarrwmcc
 
W2-Unit2-select sources-81313-245pm
W2-Unit2-select sources-81313-245pmW2-Unit2-select sources-81313-245pm
W2-Unit2-select sources-81313-245pmJill McKeon
 
Basics of Research
Basics of ResearchBasics of Research
Basics of Researchabutton1
 
Researching for Sources & Gathering Supporting Material for a Public Speech
Researching for Sources & Gathering Supporting Material for a Public SpeechResearching for Sources & Gathering Supporting Material for a Public Speech
Researching for Sources & Gathering Supporting Material for a Public SpeechWafi Badji
 
VET1604 Essential Library Skills 2021
VET1604 Essential Library Skills 2021VET1604 Essential Library Skills 2021
VET1604 Essential Library Skills 2021Middlesex University
 
Flames summer school 2016 slides
Flames summer school 2016 slidesFlames summer school 2016 slides
Flames summer school 2016 slidesDemmy Verbeke
 
UFW DEMO
UFW DEMOUFW DEMO
UFW DEMOc-cheng
 
Information retrival.pptx
Information retrival.pptxInformation retrival.pptx
Information retrival.pptxbinaymtariku
 
ResearchProcessDC
ResearchProcessDCResearchProcessDC
ResearchProcessDCianmcnee
 
ResearchProcessDC
ResearchProcessDCResearchProcessDC
ResearchProcessDCmcneeteach
 

Ähnlich wie Choosing proper sources (20)

Sources of information
Sources of informationSources of information
Sources of information
 
Research 101
Research 101Research 101
Research 101
 
W2-Unit2-select sources-81313-245pm
W2-Unit2-select sources-81313-245pmW2-Unit2-select sources-81313-245pm
W2-Unit2-select sources-81313-245pm
 
Research Strategies
Research StrategiesResearch Strategies
Research Strategies
 
Basics of Research
Basics of ResearchBasics of Research
Basics of Research
 
BIS1100 Nov 2014
BIS1100 Nov 2014BIS1100 Nov 2014
BIS1100 Nov 2014
 
Researching for Sources & Gathering Supporting Material for a Public Speech
Researching for Sources & Gathering Supporting Material for a Public SpeechResearching for Sources & Gathering Supporting Material for a Public Speech
Researching for Sources & Gathering Supporting Material for a Public Speech
 
VET1604 Essential Library Skills 2021
VET1604 Essential Library Skills 2021VET1604 Essential Library Skills 2021
VET1604 Essential Library Skills 2021
 
Flames summer school 2016 slides
Flames summer school 2016 slidesFlames summer school 2016 slides
Flames summer school 2016 slides
 
Information Literacy Award - Media Arts
Information Literacy Award - Media ArtsInformation Literacy Award - Media Arts
Information Literacy Award - Media Arts
 
UFW DEMO
UFW DEMOUFW DEMO
UFW DEMO
 
Web Source Levels
Web Source LevelsWeb Source Levels
Web Source Levels
 
Information retrival.pptx
Information retrival.pptxInformation retrival.pptx
Information retrival.pptx
 
Information literacy
Information literacyInformation literacy
Information literacy
 
Literature survey
Literature surveyLiterature survey
Literature survey
 
Poli127 guide (2020)
Poli127 guide (2020)Poli127 guide (2020)
Poli127 guide (2020)
 
Validity
ValidityValidity
Validity
 
ResearchProcessDC
ResearchProcessDCResearchProcessDC
ResearchProcessDC
 
ResearchProcessDC
ResearchProcessDCResearchProcessDC
ResearchProcessDC
 
L2.ppt
L2.pptL2.ppt
L2.ppt
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen

CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptxCAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptxSaurabhParmar42
 
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptxPractical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptxKatherine Villaluna
 
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming ClassesHuman-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming ClassesMohammad Hassany
 
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptxUltra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptxDr. Asif Anas
 
Patient Counselling. Definition of patient counseling; steps involved in pati...
Patient Counselling. Definition of patient counseling; steps involved in pati...Patient Counselling. Definition of patient counseling; steps involved in pati...
Patient Counselling. Definition of patient counseling; steps involved in pati...raviapr7
 
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.EnglishCEIPdeSigeiro
 
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptxmary850239
 
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?TechSoup
 
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfMaximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfTechSoup
 
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxraviapr7
 
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapitolTechU
 
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive EducationBenefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive EducationMJDuyan
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRATanmoy Mishra
 
The Singapore Teaching Practice document
The Singapore Teaching Practice documentThe Singapore Teaching Practice document
The Singapore Teaching Practice documentXsasf Sfdfasd
 
P4C x ELT = P4ELT: Its Theoretical Background (Kanazawa, 2024 March).pdf
P4C x ELT = P4ELT: Its Theoretical Background (Kanazawa, 2024 March).pdfP4C x ELT = P4ELT: Its Theoretical Background (Kanazawa, 2024 March).pdf
P4C x ELT = P4ELT: Its Theoretical Background (Kanazawa, 2024 March).pdfYu Kanazawa / Osaka University
 
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdfDiploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdfMohonDas
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen (20)

CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptxCAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
 
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptxPractical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
 
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming ClassesHuman-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
 
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptxUltra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
 
Patient Counselling. Definition of patient counseling; steps involved in pati...
Patient Counselling. Definition of patient counseling; steps involved in pati...Patient Counselling. Definition of patient counseling; steps involved in pati...
Patient Counselling. Definition of patient counseling; steps involved in pati...
 
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
Easter in the USA presentation by Chloe.
 
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptx
 
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
 
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfMaximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
 
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
 
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
 
Prelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quiz
Prelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quizPrelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quiz
Prelims of Kant get Marx 2.0: a general politics quiz
 
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
 
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive EducationBenefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
 
The Singapore Teaching Practice document
The Singapore Teaching Practice documentThe Singapore Teaching Practice document
The Singapore Teaching Practice document
 
P4C x ELT = P4ELT: Its Theoretical Background (Kanazawa, 2024 March).pdf
P4C x ELT = P4ELT: Its Theoretical Background (Kanazawa, 2024 March).pdfP4C x ELT = P4ELT: Its Theoretical Background (Kanazawa, 2024 March).pdf
P4C x ELT = P4ELT: Its Theoretical Background (Kanazawa, 2024 March).pdf
 
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
How to Add a New Field in Existing Kanban View in Odoo 17
 
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdfDiploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
 

Choosing proper sources

  • 1. RESEARCH 101 This is a self-paced tutorial to provide you with the necessary skills to find and use information and to evaluate and use it wisely for writing research papers and essays. You will learn to answer this question: 1. Where should I look for sources?
  • 2. Choosing proper sources • Now that you have defined your topic, you are ready to start gathering information. • After completing this section you will be able to: • Identify types of information available • Understand how information is created • Determine which types of information could be useful for your assignment
  • 3. Types of information Click on a type to explore it’s characteristics, advantages and limitations • Encyclopedias • Books • Academic Journals • Magazines and Newspapers • Web Sites
  • 4. Encyclopedias Characteristics: - Provides context for a topic through introductory overviews - Information on concepts, people, places, events - General encyclopedias cover a broad range of areas - Subject encyclopedias provide introductory to in-depth information on a specific subject Advantages: - Helpful starting point for assignments - Generate ideas for assignments - Subject encyclopedias attempt to cover various ideas with a particular field - Contain useful bibliographies with additional resources Limitations: - Not as current as articles - Does not provide in-depth information and should not be used as the only source for an assignment
  • 5. Example: Your topic is Feminism You can start by looking in the Encyclopedia Britannica to get some broad ideas. Then for more in-depth information you can try a subject encyclopedia such as: Encyclopedia of Women and Gender Encyclopedia of Women’s History in America
  • 6. Books Characteristics: - Usually provide overviews from general to specific - Incorporates an author’s or other’s theory of a topic Advantages: - Authoritative and detailed source - Provides in-depth treatment of a subject - Table of contents and index can help focus research on a particular section - Bibliographies point to more sources of information Limitations: - Content and information may not be as current as articles - May contain too much information to process for the assignment
  • 7. Academic Journals Characteristics: - Purpose is to report on current research conducted by professional - In-depth articles cover specific issues or research questions - Language and content is geared toward other professionals - Uses tables and graphs to support information - Contain bibliographies for additional sources of information - Peer reviewed (articles submitted to publishers are reviewed by experts or peers that evaluate the work based on originality, quality, and currency) Advantages: - Information is more current than books or encyclopedias - Information is accurate and reliable - Bibliographies point to information used to support article Limitations: - History of topic is usually not presented - Articles may cover only one aspect of your assignment topic
  • 8. How do I know if its an academic journal? - Make sure the author’s name and credentials (degree, university) are clearly stated. - When using a database, look for a limit feature that lets you search for academic journals only.
  • 9. We have paper copies of these journal available: Journal of AHIMA Journal of the American Medical Association Oriental Medicine Journal And many more titles available on databases: Journal of Business & Psychology Women in Business Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice And Hundreds More!
  • 10. Magazines and Newspapers Characteristics Purpose is to inform and entertain. The content and language is geared toward a general audience Articles are short, written by journalists (not experts) and use photographs Advantages Good for generating ideas on issues and learning about current events Newspapers are good for tracking events as they happen Provide coverage for government and business news Limitations Present a non-academic perspective Authors are not experts Usually do not include bibliographies
  • 11. Examples Magazines: Time Newsweek National Geographic The Economist Vogue Newspapers: Chicago Tribune Wall Street Journal New York Times
  • 12. Websites Characteristics Offer immediate access to current information “Publishers” are varied and can be anyone Information on wealth of topics Easy to access and use Powerful marketing tool Advantages Good for certain types of information: news, government associations and documents, current events, quick facts, travel and maps, culture information business products, shopping, opinions Limitations Not everything is on Google Information overload – too many websites to sift through to find information Authority, reliability, accuracy, currency all need to be evaluated Not everything is free Advertisements and website sponsors can lead to biased information
  • 13. Tip: For some types of information the web is great. Organizations, Associations, and Publishers can be trustworthy places to find resources for your assignment. However – many websites are created by anonymous authors and can provide questionable or even wrong information. To make best use of the internet always evaluate the quality of what you find.
  • 14. Selecting your sources • Understanding the types of sources can help determine which ones to use when looking for specific information. • If you want: • General Overview try a general or subject encyclopedia • Specific definition try a general or subject dictionary • Timeline of event try looking at newspapers or the internet • Results of opinion polls try searching magazines, newspapers, and the internet • Reliable data to strengthen an argument you present in a paper, the best resources are academic journals, books, and other detailed information
  • 15. Example: Your research question is: Does education in prisons play a role in reducing recidivism? You have already read entries in encyclopedias and identified books that relate to the topic using the library’s OASIS catalog. You now need more current research-focused information – you need academic articles. Did you know there is a Journal of Correctional Education available via the EBSCO database with articles such as: “The Hope Bridge Program: Addressing Recidivism Through Education and Employment.”
  • 16. How is information created? • Knowing how information is created can help you know where to look. • Any event triggers an information cycle • Beginning with immediate coverage on television, the internet, and radio. • Newspapers and magazines provide coverage in the following days and weeks. • As time goes by, additional information appears in academic journals and books.
  • 17. The events of September 11, 2001 provide a useful illustration of an information cycle: Same Day Television, radio, internet reports of events as they happen Next Day Newspaper articles from around the world surface along with continued reports from television, radio and internet Weeks Later Weekly magazines provide more depth of coverage Months Later Academic articles focus on broader topics of terrorism and the impact of the events Years Later Academic articles are still being published in addition to books for general audiences providing information on the consequences of the events
  • 18. Summary • For every assignment you will likely need a variety of sources: • Encyclopedias & Books – provide overviews of topics from general to specific • Magazines & Newspapers – geared toward general public and provide information on business and government topics • Academic Journals – provide current research written by experts in their field • Websites – provide an unending stream of information, but you have to evaluate all that you find. Next: Using search tools to locate your resources!