COM 102 Dugan

You've selected your topic. Now what?

Use these library resources to gather background information, understand your topic and learn about the arguments.

Looking for some statistics or data to add to your presentation?  Take a look here-

The free web can be a great place for information, if you evaluate the site and the information you get.

These sites might be helpful-

C.R.A. A.P. Test
Evaluating Research Sources

• Currency
  • Is the information recent enough for your topic?
  • Has it been published in the last x years? (x will vary, depending on your topic)
  • If you have a historical research topic, was it published around the date of the original event?
• Reliability/Relevance
  • Where does the information come from, and does the information apply to your topic?
  • Is it a primary or secondary source?
  • Are methods or references provided?
• Authority
  • Who authored this information?
  • Are their credentials provided?
  • What is their reputation or expertise?
• Accuracy
  • is the information supported by research?
  • Can the information be verified through other sources?
  • Is the language clear and unbiased?
• Purpose/Point-of-View
  • What was the intent of the author, and how is the author connected to the information?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information intended to inform, persuade, sell, entertain, …?