This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
I am 100% a Swiftie, and I wanted to let that be known for one second, so all of my headers will be one of her songs. But on to the real topic, what is up with researching stuff these days? I think we all struggle with some sort of blues when it comes to finding something that is factual and true, so how do we go about researching what we need to research about our research topic? Confusing, huh? Let’s try to dive deeper into this ongoing topic, so maybe, we can have nice things.
this is me trying…
How do we know what we need to research?
The simple answer is to research everything because why not? Anything that could be deemed non-fiction or informational or anything that is source-based should ultimately be researched. If you are also making any claims of any sort in your work, it should be backed by a source. According to the Pressbooks segment on Why Research is Important, “When someone makes a claim, we should examine the claim from a number of different perspectives: what is the expertise of the person making the claim, what might they gain if the claim is valid, does the claim seem justified given the evidence, and what do other researchers think of the claim?” Remembering this as we’re drafting our research projects can help alleviate any hardships.
Blankspace
Where do I find sources?
If you are blanking while trying to find credible sources, the easiest way to start is by searching your topic through Google. Run it through the search engine and then watch the sources flow. Some notable things to watch out for are articles from Wikipedia… just kidding! I truly believe that you can learn from everything you read, and Sarah Ann Singer agrees. She says that “it is simply limited by its genre-an open-access encyclopedia-and if students understand how to use it (for instance, for learning about well-established topics that may be new to them), it can be extraordinarily useful,” (Singer, Embracing Wildcard Sources). Wikipedia and Useful feel like they shouldn’t coincide, but they do! Although I myself still shy away from Wikipedia, I understand that the information can be a starting point for someone who is unfamiliar with their topic.
Clean
How do I know if a source is credible and appropriate for my project?
A sound rule of thumb when researching is using sites that end with .org and .edu. if you're unsure or uncomfortable with diving deep, deep, deep!
If you are especially researching anything science-related, it needs to be accredited through some kind of organization, foundation, or university that specializes in researching that topic or is accredited by the university. Usually, these websites are source-based as well and have cited a source.
Out Of The Woods
How do I incorporate sources into my writing?
Writing creatively and incorporating sources can be a bit challenging. I think getting very familiar with your research topic of choice and using what you’ve learned, teaching it through dialogue, would be the best way to do this, and citing your sources at the very end of your work. For instance, having a physician or professional that can easily discuss and inform the other characters of the information you researched.
hoax
Where can I find more information?
Embracing Wildcard Sources: Information Literacy in the Age of Internet Health
Sarah Ann Singer
https://www.proquest.com/docview/2329715830?accountid=12085&forcedol=true&forcedol=true
“Why Is Research Important”
Kathryn Dumper, William Jenkins, Arlene Lacombe, Marilyn Lovett, and Marion Perimutter
https://opentext.wsu.edu/psych105/chapter/why-is-research-important/