Research+21st+Century

= Search and Find =

= We love Wikipedia and Google.... but there's more. How to get started =


 * **Begin with a** general source for quick info (Wikipedia, Google) for background information.
 * Use Google intelligently! Make use of Advanced Search, try to limit your focus by adding country codes, to retrieve only websites from particular countries.
 * Country Codes website
 * **I**nvestigate and collect key words **found in background reading, and look for new ones in other sources.**
 * **Use the keyword list to start the indepth research process.** Use a variety of sources**,**such as
 * 1) Destiny Library Search (offers printed Library materials and recommended websites with citation services)
 * 2) Online Databases (huge amount of information, plus citation services)
 * 3) Books ([|Destiny Library Search], [|Google Books], [|Google Scholar])
 * 4) Audio-visual materials **(**Destiny Library Search**,** Online Databases, **Youtube,** etc.)
 * 5) Magazines/newspapers in print and online (see Online Databases as well)
 * 6) Internet web sites (Destiny Webpath Express, [|Choose the Best Search for your Information] will help you locate the best sites)
 * 7) Any other sources of information that are useful for your topic (interviews with authorities on the topic, pictures, etc.).
 * When you are using books, check the __table of contents__ and the __index__ of the source to identify the sections that are relevant to your topic.
 * Determine __relevance__ to avoid wasting time and energy. To what extent does this source address your research question?
 * Note the copyright date to see that the __source is recent__. For many topics there may be developments that an older source may not address. However, an older source can provide important background information.
 * Use a __bibliography__ from a current source (usually found at the back of the book). It may suggest other resources for further investigation.
 * Determine the __reliability__ of your source, whether print or online. Keep in mind that some periodicals and Internet sites may distort or oversimplify information. Be sensitive to the writer's possible bias. Generally, scholarly journals are careful to document information and encourage responsible scholarship from their contributing authors. The online databases our school is subscribed to, offer reliable information.
 * Maintain accurate bibliographic information**,** so that you can produce __complete citations of all works used__ in your bibliography**.** See Write a Bibliography for detailed help with that.

Evaluating Websites
Do the CRAAP test to see if you are using a reliable and useful site. Check the criteria and you decide if you're doing the right thing or are .....! :)

__**// C //urrency : **__//**The timeliness of the information.**// • When was the information published or posted? • Has the information been revised or updated? • Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic? • Are the links functional? **__// R //elevance__ __:__ ** //**The importance of the information for your needs.**// • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? • Who is the intended audience? • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use? • Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper? **__// A uthority : //__** //**The source of the information.**// • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? Use www.easywhois.com to find out. • Are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations given? • What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic? • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">**__// A //ccuracy__ __:__ //The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content//****.** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Where does the information come from? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Is the information supported by evidence? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Has the information been reviewed or refereed? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">**__// P //urpose__ __:__ //The reason the information exists//****.** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">*This information is created by Meriam Library, California State University, Chico