Step 2: Acceptable Resources

Step 2: Acceptable Resources

With a preliminary thesis statement in mind, it is now time to move to collecting information from reliable sources. **BE SURE TO BOOKMARK ANY ONLINE RESOURCES OR SAVE THE PERMALINK. Articles from acceptable resources should now be PRINTED and neatly stapled, with sources clearly visible. How will you know if a resource is acceptable?

Consider these resources and the advantages and disadvantages of each one:

• Library Catalog

Advantages: indexes books available within the library, may also link to catalogs of other libraries and schools, identifies reputable material

Disadvantages: will not cover all books, interlibrary loan may be necessary

• Electronic Indexes (Badgerlink, Science Resource Center, Opposing Viewpoints)

Advantages: enable you to find material focused specifically on your topic, direct you to current work in your field, high percentage of credible sources

Disadvantages: provide citation to articles, but not always full text; articles may have to be located through interlibrary loan

• Web Sites

Advantages: high volume of recent material and links to other sites

Disadvantages: number of available sites can be astronomical, time can be wasted investigating sites can prove unhelpful, high percentage of sites lack credibility

• Interviews

Advantages: can be conducted in person, by phone, or by email and focus on a point you need to clarify; dialogue can generate new ideas when you feel stuck

Disadvantages: lost ideas if not recorded, misreporting is common, sources may lack credibility

Evaluating Sources

1. What is the resource’s purpose? Use resources with intent to educate or inform. Eliminate resources with intent to persuade you of something or sell you something.
2. What does the URL of a website tell you? Use .gov, .mil, .org, or .edu (if it is a higher education institution). Stay away from .com, .net, or .edu (if it is a K-12 institution).
3. Who is the author? What are his/her credentials? Is he/she an expert in the field? Does he/she list contact information? Is he/she sponsored by an organization? You would want to answer all these with a yes.
4. Does the content reflect a bias? If so, do not use it.
5. Is the content accurate? Can you find the same facts elsewhere? You will want to make sure it is.

Recommended Sources

Northwood School Library -- books, articles, newspapers

Northern Wisconsin Library System – merlin.nwls.lib.wi.us

Badgerlink Resources (books, articles, videos) -- Badgerlink.net

Interviewing

An interview with an expert can be an excellent way to fill in gaps in your research. What areas of your arguments are weak?

Before the Interview

• Research the individual’s position, background, and education, as well as any special skills.
• Clearly define the purpose of the interview, i.e., what is to be accomplished.
• Write clearly phrased questions that reflect the purpose, research, and knowledge.
• Organize questions in a logical fashion (simple to complex or from objective and factual to personal). Ten questions established prior to meeting should be a minimum number.

The Interview

• Dress appropriately. Be well groomed.
• Be punctual: 10 minutes early is desirable.
• Make introductions in a professional manner with a firm handshake, smile, and eye contact. State the purpose of the interview and thank the interviewee for his/her time.
• If using a tape recorder, ask permission of the interviewee.
• Don’t digress during the interview, stay on task.
• Listen for possible leads and formulate new questions.
• Ask for clarification if needed, and don’t be embarrassed to ask for an answer to be repeated. Take time to be correct in note taking.
• Honor “off the record” remarks.

After the Interview

• Thank the person. A written thank you is recommended for follow up.
• Review your notes as soon after the interview as possible.
• Consolidate information; discard information that cannot be used.
• Be especially careful that direct quotes are accurately recorded.
• If in doubt about a specific comment, contact the person again.
• Make a list of any additional resources that have been uncovered.