Overview

Strong research skills allow you to find credible, relevant sources to support your arguments. In this topic, you'll learn how to evaluate sources, navigate library databases, and properly document research to maintain academic integrity. Reference skills also help you use research tools effectively to improve writing and citation.

Finding Credible Sources

• Academic Databases: Use tools like JSTOR, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed journals and books.
• Library Catalogs: Explore your college library for books, periodicals, and research guides.
• Open Educational Resources (OER): Look for quality, freely accessible materials curated by educators.
• Evaluate Websites: Prefer .edu, .gov, or .org domains and check for author credentials, currency, and bias.

Evaluating a Source (CRAAP Test)

• Currency: Is the information up to date?
• Relevance: Does it support your argument or research question?
• Authority: Is the author qualified?
• Accuracy: Is it well-supported and peer-reviewed?
• Purpose: Is the source objective and academic?

Reference Tools and Techniques

• Online Citation Tools: Tools like Zotero, EasyBib, and Purdue OWL help format sources correctly.
• Bibliographic Management: Organize research using apps like EndNote, RefWorks, or note cards.
• Keyword Strategies: Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) and quotation marks to narrow or expand search results.
• Annotated Bibliographies: Practice summarizing and evaluating each source for relevance and credibility.

Practice Activity

Find two credible sources on a current issue (e.g., climate policy, student loan debt). For each source:

• Apply the CRAAP test
• Write a 1–2 sentence annotation explaining its usefulness