1. how to do research in college: ENGL 1001.034 | Prof. Chelsea Whitton
a cursory guide
ENGL | Prof. Chelsea Whitton

2. Using Research Databases make a list of useful keywords
pay attention to terms scholars use, and employ these to find more info about your topic
also make note of any words/phrases you see over and over again in relevant articles

3. Using Research Databases
when in doubt, stick to short key terms and phrases (long phrases confuse the robots)
if you do want to search a phrase, place it in quotation marks
use the “Narrow Results” options (usually on the left side of a data- base search page

4. Evaluating Sources Source Publication
Is this publication credible? How do you know?
Is it scholarly or popular?
Is it super specialized or intended for a wider readership?
Does it have any affiliations or stated values that might impact the content it chooses to publish and promote?
Do you have any questions about the ethics or accountability of the source or publication?

5. Evaluating Sources 2. Date and timeliness
When was the source published?
Does it reflect the most up-to-date ideas or information about your topic?
How does the time/context of the publication relate to the way the topic is presented and discussed?
Does the pub. date of your source make sense with the timelines and dates in your other research?

6. Evaluating Sources 3. Author biography & viewpoint
What information is available about the source author?
Are they known and or/credible in their field? How do you know?
How might their education, profession, political affiliation and personal interests inform their perspective?
Is there anything a reader should know about the author to bring the text into the proper context?

7. Evaluating Sources 4. Supporting evidence
- Does the source support its claims with properly sourced evidence?
- Does the evidence adequately support the claims the article is making?
- Are any of the text’s sources useful to your own research? - What’s missing? Are there any holes or unsupported aspects to the article?

8. Evaluating Sources 5. Intended audience
Consider the outlet, date of publication, and means of access when thinking about who the author of the source is writing for.