Sources

604.4.3 Determine the most appropriate research source

A few types of sources1. An almanac contains facts such as weather, population, currency, and

geographical data.

2. An atlas contains maps and most atlases also have mileage indicators.

3. The Internet contains current information on many topics, including current weather.

4. An encyclopedia provides a good overall look at a topic.

5. A live interview provides a first-hand account of a person's experiences.

6. A newspaper contains current events, newsworthy topics, or entertainment information.

7. A non-fiction book gives facts about a topic

8. Flier- gives information about an event or place

9. Brochure- gives detailed information about an event or place 10. Dictionary- pronunciation and meanings of words

Suitable SourcesSuitability-

•SCOPE- What is the depth of the article, book, website or other material?

• Is it a general work that provides an overview of the topic or is it specifically focused on only one aspect of your topic?

•Does the resource cover the right time period that you are interested in?

• Audience. Who is the intended audience for this source?

• Is the material too technical or too clinical? • Is it too elementary or basic?

• Timeliness. When was the source published?

• If it is a website, when was it last updated? Avoid using undated websites. Library catalogs and periodical indexes always indicate the publication date in the bibliographic citation.

• Authority• Who is the author? • What are his or her academic credentials?• What else has this author written?• Sometimes information about the author is

listed somewhere in the article. Other times, you may need to consult another resource to get background information on the author. Sometimes it helps to search the author's name in a general web search engine like Google.

Websites are a big source these days!!

• Is there an author of the document? • Can you determine the producer's credentials? If you cannot

determine the author of the site, then think twice about using it as a resource.

• Is the site sponsored by a group or organization? If it is sponsored by a group or company, does the group advocate a certain philosophy? Try to find and read "About Us" or similar information.

• Is there any bias evident in the site? • Is the site trying to sell you a product?• Ask why the page was put on the web? • Is there a date on the website? • Is it sufficiently up-to-date? If there is no date, again, think twice

about using it. Undated factual or statistical information should never be used.

• How credible and authentic are the links to other resources? Are the links evaluated or annotated in any way?

1. An almanac contains facts such as weather, population, currency, and geographical data.

2. An atlas contains maps and most atlases also have mileage indicators.

3. The Internet contains current information on many topics, including current weather.

4. An encyclopedia provides a good overall look at a topic.

5. A live interview provides a first-hand account of a person's experiences.

6. A newspaper contains current events, newsworthy topics, or entertainment information.

7. A non-fiction book gives facts about a topic

8. Flier- gives information about an event or place

9. Brochure- gives detailed information about an event or place 10. Dictionary- pronunciation and meanings of words

For each question, choose the best resource to use, and circle it.

1. Zoe is doing a report on Zimbabwe and needs to know what the country's average temperature is in the winter. Where should she look first?

a. dictionaryb. televisionc. almanacd. newspaper

2. Brian needs to know the distance between Brussels and Brisbane. What resource should he use first?

a. personal interviewb. newspaperc. encyclopediad. atlas

3. Michael wants the latest medical news about mumps. Which of the following would provide him with the latest research information?

a. booksb. Internetc. atlasd. newspaper

4. Ben is doing research on zebras and wants to read a good general background article on the animal. Where should he look?

a. newspaperb. almanacc. encyclopedia d. interview with someone that's been on an African Safari

5. Sue wants to know what the life of a teacher might be like. Where should she turn?

a. dictionaryb. an interview with a teacherc. encyclopediad. educational journal

6. Jessie wants to read about the airport expansion project currently taking place in her city. The information seems to change daily. Where should she go for information?

a. encyclopediab. reference book on airportsc. local newspaperd. almanac

A student is traveling to the East Coast and wants to know where the region’s lighthouses are located. Which source would best supply this information?

F a road map of East Coast highwaysG a website about lighthouse factsH a flier advertising a local lighthouse tourJ a brochure about East Coast historical sites

A student wants to learn a few basic phrases in the Cherokee language. Which source will contain

the best information about the topic?F an interview with a Cherokee Native

AmericanG a history textbookH a Cherokee dictionary with English

translationsJ an encyclopedia