BOOST

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Table of Contents

The Research Process

Defining Research Needs

Developing a Research Strategy

Conducting the Search

Evaluating Resources
Evaluate Books
Evaluate Articles
Evaluate Web Sites
Select Useful Information

Using Resources

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Evaluating Resources


Relevant Resources Needed!

Students frequently skip the evaluation step of the research process. They think finding a resource -- any resource -- is enough. However, weak information sources only waste your time.

Resources need to match your instructor's requirements and be relevant to your research question. Don't "force" a resource to fit your assignment -- keep searching until you find one you can really use.

A good resource may help you in answering your research question by supporting an argument, refuting an argument, giving examples, or providing "wrong" information you can challenge.

Learn to Evaluate Sources

Because it is so important to find resources that both match your instructor's requirements and are relevant to your research, you must know how to evaluate the different types of resources you may come across in the research process.

This section of BOOST will help you learn how to:

  • evaluate books,
  • evaluate articles,
  • evaluate websites, and
  • select useful information.