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Finding and evaluating secondary Sources. What are secondary sources?. Books Articles: In books (anthologies) In journals In teh Intarwebs Alternative secondary sources Films (documentaries) Interviews. Why do we need them?. To see what others have written on the same topic
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What are secondary sources? • Books • Articles: • In books (anthologies) • In journals • In teh Intarwebs • Alternative secondary sources • Films (documentaries) • Interviews
Why do we need them? • To see what others have written on the same topic • Might help your own paper • To demonstrate our research skills • Important for LIFE • To get better grades • Secondary sources validate your work
How do we find them? • Use the library catalogue • Use electronic databases • Read bibliographies • Use the internet with great caution.
What makes them good? • Knowledgeable (experts in the field) • “Does the person I’m citing have expertise in the area directly relevant to the point I want to make?” • Credible: Einstein says E = mc2 • Not Credible: Einstein says “war is wrong”
What makes them good? • Impartial (interest in accuracy, not slanting the facts) • “What is the author’s purpose?” • Credible: Consumer Reports states that the XE5300 is the best washing machine on the market • Not credible: The salesperson at the Appliance Depot says that the Sunday Special is the best washing machine on the market
What makes them good? (cont.) • Recognized by other experts (not a “lone wolf”) • “Are the ideas of this possible source consistent with the majority opinion of experts?” • Credible: Some MD who says it is fine if a pregnant woman smokes • Not credible: All of the others who say it is not
Evaluating Sources • Any source on the library’s website or in the library is reliable. • Any .edu site is credible. .Org, .com, and .net sites need careful evaluation. • Anyone can publish • It can be hard to determine • Authorship • Affiliation • Qualification • Publication date • Authenticate your source
Evaluating Websites • Who is the author and what are the author’s credentials? • What do the site’s visuals convey? • Does the site have links to other sites? • What is the intent of the site? • Who is the intended audience? • Does the site provide evidence to back up its assertions? • Is the material up to date? • Is the language objective or emotional? • Can you find the same information elsewhere?