Research Tips
Tip 1: Avoid Plagarism
Plagarism is when you include information from another source and you do not give credit to that source. Even if you're giving the source credit, it's best not to copy large parts of a text, website, or other source. Use the chart below for help.
Tip 2: Paraphrase
Paraphrasing is when you take the author's ideas and words and put them into your own words so you have a better understanding. Also, it helps you avoid copying long chunks of text that you don't really need. But it's important to remember that you're still borrowing someone else's idea and you need to give them credit!
Tip 3: Use Approved Databases (stop Googling everything!)
But if you are Googling and need to determine if a source is credible, use this checklist.
Tip 4: Cite Your Sources
Works Cited Page:
A Works Cited Page is the last page of your research that lists all of the resources you used. NoodleTools is a great way to create your Works Cited page. Also, if you're using approved online databases, the citation is provided for you!
In-text Citations:
In-text citations are when you either use brief parts of an author's exact words or you paraphrase an author's ideas into your own words. Either way, you need to give the author credit at the end of the sentence that contains the exact words or paraphrased idea by putting the author's name in parentheses before the period.
Missing an author from your source? Use the organization name in its place.
Be certain if you can use it!
