A How-To on Research What’s the difference between a web search and research? How to use Wikipedia correctly? How do I use open-ended questions to improve my results?

Web Search “Google it!” While Google and other search engines are amazing tools, the amount of information that can be brought up by one search. Example: “What was the Enlightenment?” Results: About 10, 400,000 sites How do narrow down your search?....

….. Through Research Research: The accurate, thorough examination of particular topic to better one’s understanding. By using specific sites designed to hold information over particular topics, searching becomes a narrow point and not an open field. Example: Search “sites about the Enlightenment” These info specific sites give you clear answers, without a having to go through a mountain of info.

To use Wikipedia or not to, that is the question. What have you been told about Wikipedia in the past? Has that stopped you from using it? Example: Wikipedia, “Mercantilism” Although the information is plentiful, Wikipedia is a free-to-edit website, meaning anyone can change/delete the post of other authors. However it is still useful. By going to References and External Links, you have access to the author’s sources and materials.

Using Questions in Correct Research Close-Ended Questions: If a question can be answered with a yes or no response. Example: Did the Stamp Act cause the American Revolution? Open-Ended Questions: If a question requires a more in- depth response to reach a conclusive answer. Example: How did the Stamp Acts affect colonists? Using more descriptive, but still specific questions can improve your results for correct research.

My Go-To US History Sites http://www.ushistory.org/ (Divided into sections varying by periods and major events) http://www.history.com/ (Through the History Channel) https://www.gilderlehrman.org/ (Excellent Resource for Primary Sources) http://www.animatedatlas.com/timeline.html (Interactive Timelines) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXt MwmepBjTSG593eG7ObzO7s (Awesome for a quick covering of important US History topics)