Introduction to Research

1. Introduction to Research How to search, select, and cite credible sources. Adapted from the original PowerPoint by Kristen Dembroski

2. Research Steps • Define your topic – make sure it is broad enough to find information, but not so broad that you get overwhelmed. • Prepare a working bibliography – create a page on which to keep track of the info from each source that you need for your final Works Cited page. • Do some background reading on your topic and develop a thesis that reflects your purpose in doing the research and your attitude toward your topic. • Search for sources (evidence) and take accurate and workable notes.

3. The Search for Information & Evidence • When searching the internet, use search terms that come directly from your main topic and your research questions. EXAMPLE: Topic: Smoking Research Questions: Is smoking harmful? Should it be banned? What are the current laws about smoking? Search Terms: smoking health smoking laws secondhand smoke studies on effects of smoking effects of smoking

4. Searching for Evidence • When searching the internet, it’s tempting to just start clicking away on any result that pops up. But… • Keep in mind some companies pay to keep their results near the top of the list • Not all links are credible sources of information • When deciding what to click on, ask yourself these questions: • Is it on topic? • Is it credible (more on this later)?

5. Choosing Evidence

6. More about Choosing Evidence

7. Strategic Searching • Not finding enough sources? Be strategic. • Use root words of key terms • Put exact phrases in “double quotation marks” • Remove search terms that are common but not helpful by using a minus sign • Example: smoking effects -cancer

8. Finding Credible Sources • Stick with sources that are well-known and well-established. • Always know who created the website and why (read the About tab) • Look at the date of the information • Verify facts by cross-checking them with other reliable sites

9. No Excuses • It is your job to read, sort through the information, and choose the best evidence to support your topic and fulfill your purpose of informing your audience.

10. Next Steps… • Take accurate and workable notes IN YOUR OWN WORDS • Analyze your notes (and revise your thesis if necessary) • Create an outline • Write the rough draft

11. Avoiding Plagiarism (aka Cite Your Sources) • Definition:Using other people’s words, thoughts, or ideas without giving them credit. • How to avoid it • Put EVERYTHING including your notes in your own words • Give credit to the author (this should be done sparingly – most of your work should be in your own words) • You must do this for ideas (summaries of opinions or thoughts) as well as direct quotes!!!!

12. One more time: Plagiarism vs. Paraphrasing

13. Example: Paraphrasing

14. Last Steps… • Revise and edit • Prepare our final Works Cited page • MLA – Modern Language Association