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* Research Basics *

College-level research can be difficult, even for students who have previously done research. This guide is a great starting point for learning about how to successfully conduct literature-based research, such as secondary research or a literature review.

 Why We Use and Evaluate Sources

  • Using sources provides credible evidence that strengthens arguments and persuades audiences.
  • Citing sources builds credibility, enables verification, and avoids plagiarism by distinguishing your ideas from others’.
  • Evaluating sources means choosing the most trustworthy, relevant, and convincing information.
  • Effective evaluation checks authority, accuracy, currency, bias, and relevance to ensure reliability.
  • Citing sources lets your audience assess evidence quality and explore further.

Understanding Sources and How to Use Them

  • Popular sources (magazines, websites): accessible but lack depth
  • Scholarly sources (academic journals): peer-reviewed and authoritative
  • Professional sources (trade magazines): practical industry insights
  • Primary sources (original research): direct evidence, most reliable
  • Secondary sources (reviews, analyses): broader perspective on established knowledge
  • Authority includes formal education, experience, and firsthand knowledge—different audiences value different types.
  • Think like your audience: what evidence do they trust?

 Academic and Professional Papers

  • Choose sources that best convince or inform your specific audience (professors, funders, employers, etc.).
  • Academic/professional contexts require higher-quality, reliable evidence—scholarly or professional sources—not casual opinions or unverified info.
  • Use research databases over general web searches for more reliable sources.

 Primary vs. Secondary Sources

  • Primary sources are original accounts or data from firsthand experience or research.
  • Secondary sources summarize or interpret primary sources and can introduce bias or omit details.
  • Use primary sources whenever possible, especially for new or contested topics.
  • Secondary sources are suitable for well-established knowledge or background context.

 Evaluating Scholarly Sources

  • Assess authors’ credentials and expertise.
  • Check the journal’s credibility and scope.
  • Read abstracts to confirm relevance.
  • Evaluate research questions for bias and clarity.
  • Scrutinize methodology for appropriateness, ethics, and sample size/diversity.
  • Review results critically, including charts and data presentation.
  • Consider discussion/conclusion for limitations and alignment with other research.
  • Examine references for currency, diversity, and respectability.

 Evaluating Popular Sources

  • Popular sources include websites, blogs, newspapers, social media, and more—always evaluate carefully.
  • Use lateral reading: verify information by checking what trusted sources say about the source you’re evaluating.
  • Investigate who funds or runs the source and check for corroboration from multiple reliable outlets.

 Misinformation and Fact-Checking

  • Misinformation is widespread—even in academic/scientific work.
  • Verify unfamiliar or surprising claims with trusted fact-checkers (e.g., Snopes, FactCheck.org, Retraction Watch).
  • Avoid predatory journals and fraudulent research by:
    • Using reputable research databases and repositories.
    • Researching unfamiliar journals or publishers.
    • Consulting watchdog resources like Retraction Watch and DOAJ.

 Incorporating Sources

  • Incorporate sources by quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing—each serves a different purpose.
  • Always cite sources to give credit and allow verification.
  • Be cautious with paraphrasing to avoid “patchwriting” (close copying without proper rephrasing), which can be considered plagiarism.

More Information

  • Tto learn more about any of the topics listed above, just click the links (in red text). Each one will take you to a more detailed guide.
  • Need help with your research or writing? Use the links at the bottom of the left-hand column (under the navigation tabs) to connect with library support, including:
    • Chatting live with a research librarian
    • Scheduling a one-on-one appointment with your subject specialist
    • Browsing the library’s FAQ for quick answers
  • You may also be able to get research or writing support from other campus offices, such as the Writing Center or the Office of the Thesis Examiner. Check with them to see what services they offer and how to make an appointment.