Research Projects What is considered a good research project?

How to write a good research paper? Use reliable and current information from reputable sources Write an accurate report based on your reading Include citations of all your sources Avoid plagiarism

How to Evaluate Reliable Sources Ask 5 Simple Questions: WHO? WHAT? WHY? WHEN? HOW?

How to Evaluate Reliable Sources 1. WHO * Is there an author identified? * What makes him or her an expert? * Is the author with a reputable organization? * Can you verify the credentials or contact information?

How to Evaluate Reliable Sources WHAT? * Is the site intended for a particular audience? * What's the point of providing the information? * If there is a controversial issue, are both sides presented? * Does it provide general or comprehensive information? Does it provide factual elements or exists to push an opinion or make a point.

How to Evaluate Reliable Sources 3. WHY? * Is the information biased or does it push a specific perspective? * Does the site contain advertising? * If there are ads, is there any conflict of interest between them and the content?

How to Evaluate Reliable Sources 4. WHEN? * Is it clear when the information was published? * When was it last updated? * If there are links to other websites, do they work?

How to Evaluate Reliable Sources * Is the site easy to navigate? * Are there obvious signs of errors or typos? Can factual information be verified using other sources?

Plagiarism Plagiarism is a form of theft.

Plagiarism Plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and ideas and lying about it afterward. http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/what-is-plagiarism

Intellectual Property A product of the intellect, such as an expressed idea or concept, that has commercial value, and legally belongs to its owner. http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/glossary/

Jay-Z sued for allegedly plagiarizing parts of his own memoir ‘Decoded’ Unspecified damages sought from rapper, co-author Dream Hampton and Random House

Jay-Z sued for allegedly plagiarizing parts of his own memoir ‘Decoded’ Nothing says success like getting slapped with a lawsuit. Jay-Z is the latest music mogul to face a copyright infringement lawsuit — though, in the “Watch the Throne” rapper’s case, the legal troubles stem from his writing, not his rhymes. In a case filed June 13 in Los Angeles, Patrick White accused Hova of lifting portions of his writing and using them as his own in the rapper's best-selling book “Decoded.” “In 2009, my personal computer was compromised, resulting in my personal work to be used in Jay-Z’s book 'Decoded' which was released in 2010,” White claims in the handwritten lawsuit. “The book contains various expressions/colors/phrases which correlates to my work,” he continues. “After contacting or attempting to contact the co-aurthor, I got no reply.” According to Allhiphop.com, White is also including author Dream Hampton and Random House publishing in the lawsuit seeking unspecified damages. Jay-Z’s 2010 bestseller is a collection of lyrics and the story behind their meanings, making it highly unlikely that the claims hold any merit. White is seeking damages for copyright infringement and invasion of property. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/jay-z-sued-allegedly-plagiarizing-parts-memoir-decoded-article-1.1098760

How to Avoid Plagiarism? ????????????????????????????????????????

How to Avoid Plagiarism? Paraphrase the information and ideas of the articles you read. Use Quotation Marks when using author’s exact words. Cite/give credit to the writers of the articles you’ve used. Attach to your essay a bibliographic list of all the articles you’ve used for this research project.

Examples of Reliable Sites URL ADDRESSES ENDING IN: .EDU (EDUcation) .GOV (GOVernment) .ORG (ORGanization) – Only known and reputable organizations Google search- keyword site:edu keyword site:gov Reliable Databases subscribed by school or college: (See Midwood High School’s database list) Examples: ProQuest Gale Opposing View Points

Library Databases Go to: Midwoodhighschool.org Student Resources on top of page Use drop down menu: click Library Go to Resources Click on :Library Database Resources Select the database of your choice: ProQuest Research Databases; Academic One File; Opposing View Points; Gale Databases.