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Using and Evaluating Sources

This guide explains how to use sources to support your ideas and how to evaluate them to make sure you're using the best sources for your purposes

Introduction

There are basically three ways to incorporate a source: summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting. This short video explains the differences and why to use each method. Whichever you use, don't forget to cite the source you just incorporated!

More on Paraphrasing

Summarizing and quoting are pretty straightforward, but most students and even some advanced researchers have difficulties with paraphrasing. The following video provides a more in-depth explanation of how to paraphras

The most common error writers make when paraphrasing is commonly referred to as "patchwriting."

Patchwriting can be considered to be a transitional style of writing as students learn the vocabulary and discourse of a field or as students for whom English is not their first language learn how to write in English. This has led to a debate in academic circles whether patchwriting constitutes plagiarism or not. Until this debate is resolved, patchwriting should be avoided by novices to a field and it should be always be avoided by experienced researchers.