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This guide is intended as a research tool for fast and easy retrieval of effective subject resources for English studies.

Welcome

This guide contains a compilation of resources to help you get started with research assignments for English 104. You will find tips on getting started using the OneSearch search engine, recommended databases, and tips for searching the Internet. Remember, you can always call, email, chat, or drop by to meet with a librarian. We're here to help!

Web Sources

Sometimes it can be difficult determining what information on the Internet is reliable. The CRAAP Test is a list of criteria you should consider before citing Internet sources in your research paper:

Currency: the timeliness of the information

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
  • Are the links functional?

Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Authority: the source of the information

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • Are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations given?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • What are the author's qualifications to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?

Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content, and

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Purpose: the reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
  • Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
  • Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

Primary Souraces

Don't believe everything you read. Primary sources recount an interpretation of an event; they do not describe the event-as-it-happened. Remember that the person who created your document had opinions, agendas, and in some cases may be misleading you. As a scholar, you need to think critically about a document before you accept its version of events at face value. Here's a helpful checklist to consider as you evaluate primary sources 

  1. Who created the document? What was their profession, values, beliefs, anything that might influence how they narrated a historical event
  2. Can you find two versions of the same event? For example, if you select Marcus Whitman's letters, can you also find documents or accounts of the Whitman Mission from his wife, or the native population? 
  3. Where did you find the document? If you are searching for images of the Samish tribe, images you find in SAM or the tribal website are probably more credible than the images you find in a google search.