This guide is intended to help students in Dr. Robert Ellison's Spring 2020 course, ENG 499, with their research projects.
In this guide, you will find:
It's important to evaluate any source, but especially popular sources. Use the steps below to determine whether or not to use material that you have found online or via a library database.
Personal steps
Identify emotions attached to topic.
Find unbiased reference sources for proper review of topic (such as Credo Reference).
Intellectual courage to seek authoritative voices on topic that may be outside of thesis.
Source steps
Authority established. Does the author have education and experience in that field?
Purpose/Point of view of source. Does the author have an agenda beyond education or information?
Publisher? Does the publisher have an agenda?
List of sources (bibliography). Is the evidence sound?
Year of publication. Does the year of publication effect the information?