Dietetics Research Guide: Research Tools & Services

The name sounds like a hoax, but it's a real method.  California State University at Chico developed what it refers to as the "CRAAP Test" for evaluating information you find when researching.  The method works for any subject and will help you determine whether the information is reliable and usable for your purpose.  CRAAP is an acronym that stands for "Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose."  Click on the PDF link above to view or print a copy of the evaluation criteria.

Why do I need to cite resources?  If you do not cite sources you have used for a speech, paper, or presentation, you could be found guilty of plagiarism.  Plagiarism is using someone else's work as your own. Some examples include:

• buying a paper or downloading one from the Internet and submitting it as your own
• copying and pasting information from the Internet or a database and not citing the source
• quoting someone or summarizing someone else's ideas but not citing that person.

Plagiarism is a serious offense that may result in failing an assignment, a course, or being expelled from the university. See the university policy on academic dishonesty in the Student Handbook for more details.

Fortunately, MU Libraries can assist you with citing your sources.  In addition to many of the full style guides available in the library for you to consult; there are a number of free online quick style guide tools available with a click from this page. 

For more information on Copyright and Citing Sources:

Google Scholar - If you are on campus, a Google Scholar search will help to identify full text articles and other items that are available through library subscriptions and holdings.  On campus and off campus, Google Scholar will greatly expand your search results.

RefWorks® - is a reference management service that supports the needs of students, faculty and librarians. RefWorks offers full-text management and collaboration features and gives students and faculty a tool that enables a more efficient and reliable process for producing research papers. 

RefWorks Basic Tutorial

Click HERE for additional help with RefWorks including account set-up, tutorials, user guides and brochure. 

ImagineEasy Solutions' EasyBib Automatic Bibliography and Citation Maker, automatically prepares citations and other bibliographic information for inclusion in your research papers or presentations.  You can use the basic version for free or sign up for the premium version at the link below.

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