In this next exercise, you'll practice finding, citing, and evaluating a variety of different kinds of sources. Complete these activities:
1. Watch the 2-minute video below. It explains databases, which you'll be using in this exercise.
2. Work through Tasks 1-4 one at a time. The last task will ask you to evaluate and rank your sources.
You are looking for scholarly, background or introductory information relating to topic.
(Hint: scholarly books, encyclopedias, Wikipedia, or research reports are appropriate when you need a broad overview of a topic).
In this guide, go to "Find Books" to begin looking for that kind of background source. (For other assignments, using an encyclopedia article is also acceptable).
Find a scholarly book published within the last 10 years about your topic that gives a broad overview.
Ex. history of ethics in advertising / food industry AND ethics |
Answer the following questions about your source (choose Task 1): https://tinyurl.com/v7orusr
Here is an example ebook search:
You are looking for a news article written for the general public relating to your topic.
Go to the "Find Newspapers" section of this guide and find a news source published recently about your topic where they cite or interview an expert. This may take you 5-10 minutes (Don't give up! be sure to go to beyond page 1 of results).
Ex. doping AND sports competition* |
Answer the following questions about your source (choose Task 2): https://tinyurl.com/v7orusr
Here is an example search in the New York Times:
You are looking for scholarly, nuanced analysis and research on your topic.
Step I: Brainstorm 2-3 different possible subject areas that your topic might fall under. (Hint: look under "Databases" tab on the Library homepage and select "Browse by Subject" .)
Step II: For each of those subjects areas, identify 2 possible databases for further exploration (watch this video for help).
Step III: Find 2 (two) academic source within one of those databases that contains current research written by scholars or experts on your topic (watch this video for help).
Ex. deception* AND social media |
Answer all of the above following questions about your source (choose Task 3): https://tinyurl.com/v7orusr
Here is an example search in the database called "Communication Source":
Note: Be sure to check the citation for accuracy against the OWL Purdue site, for example.
You should have 3-4 sources with different experts who authored or who were interviewed. Use your professor's Evaluating Secondary Sources rubric below to evaluate these sources.
Of all your sources, which one would you pick as your top ranked and which is your lowest ranked source?
Enter that answer here under Task 4.