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Writing Research Papers

First Ask

Questions to ask yourself…

1. What is my assignment?

2. How many resources do I need? What types of resources? Types of sources -- books, journals articles, websites, newspaper articles, video, etc.

3. What are keywords and subjects related to my research topic?

Steps to Finding Information

Where do I begin to find information for my research paper?

Step 1 : Find Books

1. Use OneSearch on Library homepage for books.

2. Local Public Library

Step 2 : Find Journals/Magazines

1. Library journal databases help locate full-text journal and magazine articles.

2. Internet Resources

a. Google Scholar -- indexes scholarly journals and books

b. PubMed -- medical database includes books and journal articles by National Institutes of Health

Step 3 : Consider Organizations/Associations

Step 4 : Media

1. Videos from Library

2. Streaming video

3. Podcasts

Step 5 : Public Web Sites

1. Don’t forget to assess the site you use.

a. Is it credible? Who put the site together? Look for “About”.

b. Is it reliable?

c. Is it current? When was the site last updated?

2. Web site endings do make a difference.

.edu - Education

.gov - Government

.com - Commercial

.mil - Military

Argumentative Essays

Writing Argumentative Essays
(Roane State Community College, Harriman, TN)

Evaluating Sources

Critically Analyzing Information Sources
Cornell U. Library offers excellent information.
Evaluating Sources: Can I trust this information?
University System of Georgia provides these tips.
Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages
Information created by Cornell U.
Evaluating Web Pages
University of South Carolina shares some good questions.
Evaluating Websites for Use in Academic Papers
(Oakland University, Rochester, MI)
ABCD's of Evaluating Sources -- video 2:51
(NOVA Southeastern U.)
Explaining CRAAP to evaluated sources -- handout
(U. of Iowa)
ABC's of Website Evaluation -- Handout
(San Diego Mesa College)
The CRAAP Test Song
(U. of Waikato, New Zealand)
Evaluating Internet Resources
(Georgetown University Library)
Harvard Guide to Using Resources -- Evaluating Sources
(Harvard University)

Resources listed on these guides are compiled by librarians at the R.A. Williams Library. We accept content recommendations, and after review, may include suggested resources on a guide. Our time is limited, so we generally do not reply to unsolicited recommendations from individuals not affiliated with AdventHealth University or notify them regarding whether or not we have linked to suggested content.