When you start a research task, begin with some authoritative background research. Why?
- To clarify the topic, finding key concepts, issues, names and vocabulary. This will help you with starting keywords when searching in the databases.
- To be able to introduce the topic in your paper.
eReference and general print reference...
- Will point to narrower areas of the subject
- Will provide search terms and keywords
- Will have bibliographies to lead to additional information and articles
Some suggested eReference sources:
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Gale Virtual Reference Library This link opens in a new windowA collection of reference ebooks in a variety of subject areas.
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Sage Knowledge This link opens in a new windowA collection of encyclopedias and handbooks in the social and behavioral sciences, business, education and health, and history.
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Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Gale) This link opens in a new windowIncludes pro and con viewpoints on a wide range of social issues, from terrorism and gun control to stem cell research.
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CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowReports by professional researchers on contemporary issues providing background and futuristic information.
How Do I use Wikipedia?
- Background Research -- key names, dates, issues, people to use in searching for journal articles
- Reference list -- links to sources, some journals, books, websites
- External links -- to other sources, organizations, websites that might be useful
- Is the article Locked?
This means it is a controversial website that has had frequent vandalism and is now monitored and cannot be freely edited.
When do I NOT use Wikipedia?
- If there are any "warning boxes" indicating that additional references are needed.
- Never cite a Wikipedia entry in you paper -- academic work never cites any encyclopedic work. Special encyclopedias are a part of your personal background research for overview and to help find other sources.
- Click on the "Talk" tab. Are there ratings of quality? Is there a list of what is missing? When the article has a "bad" grade -- below a "B" you shouldn't even look at it.