How to evaluate sources and where to find them when researching for a research paper?

Answer 1

The easiest and most convenient place to find reliable sources would be scholar.google.com. Simply type in the keywords that you are searching for. For example, if your topic is about "How Basketball Has Changed Lives", then you would type in "benefits of playing basketball". Be sure to clarify the years of publication your instructors will allow. Some teachers or professors allow a maximum of 10 year while others allow 7 years.

Answer 2

Evaluating sources is crucial when conducting research for a paper to ensure credibility, reliability, and relevance. Here are some steps to evaluate sources and suggestions on where to find them:

1. Determine your research needs: Clarify the specific requirements and guidelines for your research paper, including the types of sources required (e.g., scholarly articles, books, reputable websites). This will help you focus your search.
2. Use library resources: Start your search by utilizing your institution's library resources, both physical and digital. Library databases often provide access to academic journals, books, and other scholarly materials. Librarians can also assist you in locating relevant sources.
3. Evaluate credibility and authority: Assess the credibility and authority of the source by considering the author's expertise, qualifications, and affiliations. Determine if the source is published by a reputable publisher, academic institution, or established organization. Check for peer review or editorial processes that ensure quality and accuracy.
4. Review publication details: Look for publication information, such as the date of publication or last update. Ensure the source is current enough to provide relevant and up-to-date information for your research. For certain topics, you may need the most recent research available, while for historical subjects, older sources might be appropriate.
5. Assess objectivity and bias: Consider the potential bias or agenda of the source. Determine if the information presented is objective or if there is a clear perspective or bias. Be aware of sources that may have a particular political, commercial, or ideological agenda that could impact the objectivity of the information.
6. Examine supporting evidence: Evaluate whether the source provides credible evidence, data, or research to support its claims. Check for citations and references to other sources. Ensure that the source relies on verifiable and reputable sources itself.
7. Consider relevance and applicability: Assess how relevant and applicable the information is to your research topic and the specific requirements of your paper. Determine if the source provides insights, arguments, or evidence that directly contributes to your research objectives.
8. Seek a variety of sources: Aim for a diverse range of sources to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your topic. Include primary sources, such as original research studies or historical documents, as well as secondary sources that provide analysis and interpretation.
9. Balance scholarly and popular sources: Depending on your research topic, consider using a combination of scholarly sources (peer-reviewed articles, academic books) and reputable popular sources (news articles, reputable websites). Scholarly sources provide in-depth analysis and research, while popular sources can provide current perspectives and summaries.
10. Keep a record of sources: Maintain a thorough record of the sources you find, including full citations (according to the appropriate citation style) and any relevant notes or summaries. This will facilitate proper citation and referencing in your research paper.

Remember, evaluating sources is an ongoing process throughout your research. Continuously assess the quality, relevance, and credibility of the sources you find to ensure they contribute to the strength and validity of your research paper.

Good Luck & Happy Writing!