1. Basic Terms
Research—the process of finding information relevant to a particular topic
Source—any medium that provides information relevant to a particular topic

2. Purpose 1) Enhancing Knowledge
Sources provide knowledge beyond your own.
2) Enhancing Credibility (the degree to which you are convincing or believable)
Sources provide support or evidence for what you claim

3. Primary Sources
Definition: “first-hand” sources; information you gather yourself
Examples: interviews, surveys, experiments, observations
Advantages: This information is about your topic specifically.

4. Secondary Sources
Definition: “second-hand” sources; information that you access that has been gathered by someone else.
Examples: books, newspaper articles, magazine articles, websites, studies, product brochures, manuals, etc.
Advantages: Someone else has done the work for you; you just have to locate the source.

5. Next Steps Identify research needs/questions.
What do I need to find out about my topic?
What info do I need to convince my reader?
Find sources that provide this information.
Evaluate sources to determine which are the most informative and convincing.

6. Interviews Make a list of your questions.
More efficient gathering of information.
Reflects well on you the researcher.
Phrase each question narrowly enough to keep to the point, but open-ended enough to allow the interviewee to expand.
NOT: Tell me about the new inventory system.
INSTEAD: What do you see as the potential advantages or disadvantages the new system?
OR: How will the new system affect our profit?

7. Send a list of questions in advance.
Don’t phrase questions in a way that leads the interviewee to answer what you want to hear (leading questions).
NOT What are the problems with the current system?
INSTEAD: What are the potential advantages or disadvantages of the current system?
Send a list of questions in advance.
Gives interviewee time to generate answers.
Reflects well on you.

8. When the interview is over, ask permission to collect follow-up information.
Other questions may arise.
Keeps door of communication open.
Acquire the interviewee’s permission to use their words and/or ideas in your project.
Courtesy.
Avoiding legal action.

9. Always send a thank you note.
Common courtesy toward a busy person.
Establishes a positive relationship.
Other
Be accurate with information gathered.
Record with permission.
Schedule a week in advance if possible
Be on time and be concise (1/2 hour).
Be professional.

10. Surveys
Used to gain public or group opinion, typically through statistical data
Typically distributed to a segment of the public or group, unless it’s small
Sample: Representative segment of the population being surveyed
Example: 3 of 4 dentists surveyed recommend Crest.
Number and make-up of sample determines validity of survey

11. First Task Determine your representative sample.
What group? Which individuals?
How many? (Depends on who is being surveyed)

12. Guidelines Word the questions clearly.
Ask for only one piece of information in each question.
Make sure that the wording of the question doesn’t imply the “correct” answer.
If possible, include a range of response options beyond a simple “yes” or “no.”
Try to allow for an even number of responses.

13. Place open-ended questions at the end of the survey.
Design the survey so the results will be easy to tabulate (i.e. rankings, multiple choice)
Place open-ended questions at the end of the survey.
Test the survey before you distribute it.
Other
Try to limit length to one page.
Ask for permission to distribute.

14. Secondary Research EBSCOHost (under Magazines/Journals)
Newspaper resources: Access World News (under Magazines/Journals), Local Newspapers (under Local Info/Local History)
Other local information (under Local Info/Local History): Counties, Towns, etc.
Government Sites
Search engine (e.g. Google)
Your friendly librarian!!

15. Evaluating Sources Is the source really relevant? Is it current?
Is its author credible?
Is it well-researched?
Is it unbiased?
Is that Internet source really reliable?

16. Evaluating Websites Search for author/organization
Contact author/organization
Check the links
Examine sources, if any
Check posting or updated date
Note overall quality of site
Note domain: .com, .gov, .edu, etc.

17. Avoid wikis and information mill sites
Wikipedia
About.com
eHow.com
Etc.
See p. 246.