Finding and Evaluating Sources

Finding and Evaluating Sources

• Types of Sources: There are three types of sources: primary (original materials or firsthand accounts), secondary (works that analyse or interpret primary sources), and tertiary (works that synthesise or summarise secondary sources).  

• Libraries: Libraries are valuable resources for finding and evaluating sources, even in the age of the internet. Librarians can provide expert guidance, and libraries offer access to a wide range of resources, including catalogues, databases, and reference works.  

• Online Sources: The internet is a powerful tool for research, but it's essential to be critical of online sources. Consider the author's credentials, the website's sponsor, and the currency of the information.  

• Evaluating Sources: Evaluate sources for both relevance and reliability. Relevance refers to how closely the source relates to your research question, while reliability refers to the credibility and trustworthiness of the source.  

• Looking Beyond: Don't limit yourself to the most obvious or readily available sources. Explore a variety of sources, including those that may offer different perspectives or challenge your assumptions.  

• Using People as Sources: People can be valuable sources of information, whether through interviews, surveys, or personal correspondence. Remember to follow ethical guidelines when using people as sources.

Example:

To address my research problem, I will consult various sources, including the primary source, the novel Klara and the Sun itself, as well as secondary sources such as scholarly articles, book chapters, and literary criticism on Ishiguro's work and the portrayal of AI in literature.  I will use library resources, including databases like JSTOR and the MLA International Bibliography, to locate relevant scholarly articles and books.  Additionally, I will explore online resources, such as reputable literary journals and academic blogs, while remaining critical of their reliability and credibility.  Throughout this process, I will evaluate sources for their relevance to my research question and their reliability as scholarly resources.   

Preparation Activity: Finding and Evaluating Sources

Reading: Chapter 3: Finding and Evaluating Sources

Instructions:

1. Preliminary Source Search: Based on your chosen research question and problem, conduct a preliminary search for sources using online search engines and your university library catalog. Identify 3 potentially relevant sources, including a mix of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources if possible.

2. Source Evaluation: Evaluate each source for its relevance and reliability using the criteria outlined in Chapter 3 of The Craft of Research. Consider factors such as the author's credentials, publication date, publisher reputation, peer review status, and potential biases.

3. Source Summary: For each source, write a brief summary (100-150 words) outlining its main argument, key findings, and methodology (if applicable).

4. Relevance Assessment: Explain how each source is relevant to your research question and problem. How might you use this source in your thesis? Does it provide evidence, offer a counterargument, or suggest a new perspective?

5. Refine Search Strategies: Based on your initial search and evaluation, refine your search strategies. Identify additional keywords, relevant journals, or specific databases that might yield more targeted and reliable sources.

6.  Submission: Send your source summary and reflection. Length: No specific word count, but aim for thorough and well-developed responses.

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[ON-DEMAND] Class Outline: Finding and Evaluating Sources

Objectives:

• Equip students with effective strategies for finding relevant sources in the humanities.

• Develop students' critical thinking skills in evaluating the reliability and relevance of sources.

• Familiarise students with various types of sources and their appropriate use in research.

Activities:

1. Recap and Review 

   • Briefly review the concept of research problems from the previous week.

   • Connect research problems to the process of finding and evaluating sources.

2. Library Session: Locating Sources 

   • Go to your university library and make sure that you can do the following:

     • Navigate the university library catalog and online databases.

     • Develop effective search strategies using keywords, subject headings, and filters.

     • Access various types of sources, including books, journals, archives, and online resources.

Reading for Next Week: Chapter 4: Engaging Sources