PPT - Gathering Sources

Gathering Sources

  • Importance of gathering appropriate resources for research-based writing.

Elements of Validity

  • Key to having a work of refined validity includes:

    • Validated facts and evidence.

Methods for Gathering Information

  • Survey existing texts and resources:

    • Aim to gather and collect appropriate sources.

Hierarchy of Sources

  • Understanding which sources are reliable versus those that are less reliable.

Hierarchy Overview

  • Not all sources are equal; prioritize reliable sources for research.

    • Sources ranked from most reliable to least reliable.

Types of Sources

Scholarly Journal Articles

  • Most reliable source for research:

    • Written by experts in a specific field.

    • Information is rigorously reviewed and up-to-date.

Scholarly Books

  • High level of reliability, ranked second:

    • Well-researched and reviewed by experts.

    • May not be as up-to-date as journal articles (often released every few years).

Thesis or Dissertation

  • Similarity to journal articles, but less reliability:

    • Written by students in college/university.

    • Consider only those from reputable universities.

Government/Institutional Documents

  • Limited topics, specific to the organization:

    • Good for validating small pieces of information.

Specialized Magazines

  • Cover specific fields but are commercially driven:

    • Potential bias due to profit motives; use as supplementary.

General Encyclopedia

  • Reliable information but not current:

    • Rarely updated and provides limited detailed information.

    • Use as a last resort.

General Interest Magazines & Newspapers

  • Lowest reliability:

    • Broad coverage; often for profit, leading to questionable information.

    • Consider as supplementary sources only.

Availability of Sources

Accessing Reliable Sources

  • Importance of ensuring available, reliable sources published in the last five years:

    • Consult guides on using online resources like ASHS EMC.

Online Resource Tools

  • Google Scholar recommended for reliable journal articles and books:

    • Check if paid journals are available in school resources.

Efficient Information Gathering

  • Utilize tools to prepare for writing an Argumentative Paper.

  • Prioritize reliable information for effective research.