Chapter 5: Finding and Evaluating Research Sources

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This particular chapter was on finding sources to strengthen or prove the argument presented in a paper. I found this chapter to be extremely useful because of our upcoming research paper. The chapter spoke of using the available sources and then further shaping the argument into a paper for your specific audience. To do this, the author urges the writer to learn the topic, the conversation, and the research context. All of which are vital to presenting the argument effectively. 

The metaphor of the "iceberg of research" helps form the process of research into the actual product of the research. The actual paper will only be one tiny part of the research. It will only present a small portion of the research that was actually done by the writer. By doing all of this research, the essay writer is able to assess the sources and therefore form his or her own opinion more clearly on the subject. All of the information simply helps the writer to present his or her opinions in a credible way after thoroughly understanding all of the sources. 

It is extremely important to develop useful search terms in researching the topic. It's all about the words used. If they are too broad, many unrelated subjects might appear in the search. If they are too narrow, not very many options will be available. Whether it be using google or browsing through a library's catalog, the researcher's choice of words will determine the outcome of his or her search. 

Research can be divided into two parts: secondary and primary sources. Primary sources are the stronger, more reliable sources. These include first hand accounts such as speech scripts, photos, historical documents, and writing on websites. Secondary sources help us to interpret the primary sources and are just as valuable, yet less credible. These include surveys, commentaries, or articles.

After these sources are found, the writer must evaluate the sources. It is important to weed out the less reliable sources and only keep the reliable, credible, and authoritative ones.