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Metaliteracy

This guide will help you find and recognize reliable, credible information sources you find on the internet. You will discover it’s easier, and faster, to find better quality information using the library’s journal databases, videos, and books.

What should students ask when starting a research paper?

What am I trying to find out?
What kind of sources do I need to consult?
Secondary? Primary?
Why should student seek multiple perspectives while gathering information?
What if research takes you down an unexpected path?
What if you are struggling with your research paper?

Research is a Process

Source: Eisen, A. [University of Washington Libraries] (2014, June 13). Research 101: Research is a Process [Video file]. Retrieved from http://guides.lib.uw.edu/research/UWresearch101/ CC BY-NC 4.0

A. Get background information.

What’s unresolved?
What can I add?

B. Consider these three questions:

Topic
Question
Importance

C. State the problem clearly:

I’m studying: (autism)
to investigate: (if there is a relationship between autism and vaccines)
In order to understand: (Why is there so much controversy? Are the concerns valid?)

Be open to changing your questions as you do research.

Lamson Library Home Page

Lamson Library's Home Page is available at:

library.plymouth.edu

Exercise #1: CQ Researcher:

CQ Researcher. library.plymouth.edu

Getting background information is key to focusing your topic.

Go to the library homepage (https://library.plymouth.edu)
Select Databases
Open CQ Researcher
Find an article on Autism.
eMail it to yourself

If this source doesn't help you with your topic, ask a librarian for assistance.

Last Updated: Jul 12, 2023 2:27 PM
URL: https://library.plymouth.edu/metaliteracy
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