Research

Elements of a Research Report  A thesis statement that is clearly identifiable.  Factual support/evidence from a variety of reliable, credited sources.  A clear introduction, body, and conclusion  A Works Cited list that provides a complete listing of research sources formatted in MLA.

How Do I Get Started?  Pre-writing: Your topic has to be manageable. Focus on three main ideas about your topic.  Research Questions: Compose a question or questions about your topic. This might become your “working thesis”. You must change your question into a sentence.  Be Flexible: As you continue to conduct more research, you might find it necessary to change, refocus, or adapt your original thesis.

How Do I Get Started?  Source List: Plan on using a variety of sources.  Create a list of possible sources.  Search Terms: Write down terms you plan to investigate using online search engines.  Being prepared before you go online can help you stay focused and not lose track of your research goal.

Sources  Use multiple sources: - Primary Source: Firsthand or original accounts, such as interview transcripts and newspaper articles. - Secondary Source: Accounts are not original, such as encyclopedia entries.  Print and Digital Sources: The Internet allows you fast access to data, but print resources are often edited more carefully. Plan to include both print and digital sources.

Sources  Media Sources: You can find valuable information in media resources such as documentaries, television programs, podcasts, and museum exhibitions.  Original Research: For example, you might conduct a survey of people in your community or school.

Where Do I Get this Information?  Databases: Access databases of information to find appropriate sources. ex: dogpile.com Google Advanced Search Google Scholar

Evaluating Internet Domains .gov: Government sites are sponsored by a branch of the United States Government. These sites are considered reliable. .edu: Education domains include schools from kindergartens to universities. Information from an educational research center or department is likely to be carefully checked. However, education domains can also include student pages that are not edited or monitored.

Evaluating Internet Domains .org: Organizations are nonprofit groups and usually maintain a high level of credibility. Keep in mind that some organizations may express strong biases. .com: Commercial sites exist to make a profit. Information might be biased to show a product or service in a good light. The company may be providing information to encourage sales or to promote a positive image.

Works Cited  Pearson. Common Core Literature. Pearson Education, Print.