Unlocking the Research Process Finding Sources

 Once you’ve developed a thesis or formulated a research question, the next challenge for the writer is finding appropriate sources of information.

 What kinds of information suit your thesis or research question?  What specific points of your argument need support?

An Example:  Suppose someone is researching the latest treatments available for AIDs.  What kind of information will be critical to this research? In this situation, current information would be critical.

Another Example:  Suppose a student is assigned an oral presentation and wants to research the origins of the National Organization for Women.  What kinds of information will be significant in this instance? This research project requires historical information.

 Researchers must also realize that information comes in many different “styles.”  The various styles of information are often called “information formats.”

What are Information Formats?  The term format simply refers to the plan of organization or layout imposed on informative material. –In other words, how is the information packaged or stored?

Some Common Info Formats…

What are Information Sources?  Information sources provide the foundation or support for your argument. You may support or criticize a particular source, but every source should advance your particular argument or thesis.

Three Kinds of Sources  Primary Sources – “Firsthand” documents  Secondary Sources – Interpretations of secondary sources  Tertiary Sources – Reference materials that index other source material

Here’s a look at how primary, secondary and tertiary sources are generated in the “Flow of Information.”

Remember…the information need determines the best source... Do you need… Background information Topics in the news Scholarly information Statistics

First Stop – Reference Books!  Throughout the research process, reference books can clarify, define, and provide vital background information. General encyclopedias Specialized encyclopedias Dictionaries Almanacs Directories Handbooks

The Beauty of Books...  Books offer more than just a pretty cover! –Authority –Scope –User friendly format  Drawbacks? Because books go through a thorough editorial process, it takes longer to actually publish them and make them available to the public. Information in books may not be the most current information available.

Journals, Magazines, and Newspapers...  Journals, magazines, and newspapers offer current information.  They can present a focused look at a particular topic or provide an overview.

Scholarly, Popular or Trade?  The “Flow of Information” creates different information needs at different times… –Popular magazines provide general discussions of issues for a general audience. –Scholarly journals offer a detailed examination of the event or issue for professionals or professors. –Trade publications examine an issue from the perspective of a particular profession or trade.

The Web as Information Source –Look for government information –News and current awareness sites –Scholarly research and academic sites –Reference sites –Primary sources –Commercial information –Personal home pages –Facts, figures, and the weather n What kinds of information are on the World Wide Web?

Problems with the WWW  Information on the Web comes from a variety of sources.  There are no editorial boards or peer reviewers screening Web content!  Consumers of Web information must be very critical of sources and use careful steps in evaluating information.

Finding Aids

Be sure to match the information need to the appropriate source. Consult with your instructor for one- on-one help with topic selection and source evaluation. When you’re having difficulty finding authoritative sources, contact an academic librarian.