Finding and Evaluating sources
How do you start to find information on your topic? And where can you find anything?
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Before jumping into the search bar, choose some keywords for your topic. These words will help you narrow your searches to receive more manageable results. (Especially when using a databases advance search tool!) Once you've done some searching, you'll be able to pick out better keywords to find even more results.
Watch these videos to learn more about keywords, and then try these graphic organizers to help you with your research.
Let's break down some reliable
search options!
These contain quality information which you can trust. You should be able to take notes or print directly from the database.
Access JSTOR and other databases with your free BPL card. How to sign up for a card.
J_HowToUseJSTOR_8.5x11_0.pdfSearch the Web
This resource can provide valuable information which you need to EVALUATE before using. ANYONE can publish on the web. Use the evaluation page to determine if the site is authoritative (the person or agency knows what they are talking about) and accurate (the information is true, accurate and up-to-date). Once you start researching, you might start to recognize the experts in the area you are researching.
ANALYZE a primary source. Use one of these guides to help.
Scholar's search engine finds scholarly literature across an array of publishing formats and disciplines. (Remember, ANYONE can publish their work online. Be sure to evaluate what you find.) Use the advanced search option once you have the right key words to search.
Try it For Yourself!
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Now that you've begun your research, continue with your mind map (on Canva, or with a pen and paper). Start branching out from your initial interest to more specific topics found in your new sources.
Mind Map Template.pdfblank mind map (11x8.5).pdf