17.1 Research Methods and Source Evaluation
2 min read•july 25, 2024
Research sources come in three main types: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Each offers unique insights, from raw data to broad overviews. Knowing how to evaluate these sources is crucial for effective research.
Strategies for finding and assessing sources are key to successful academic work. From keyword searches to , various methods help locate relevant information. Understanding the strengths and limitations of different research methods ensures a well-rounded approach.
Types of Sources and Source Evaluation
Types of research sources
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- provide original, first-hand accounts or raw data gathered directly from subjects or events (, diaries, original research papers, photographs)
- interpret or analyze primary sources offering critical commentary and context (textbooks, biographies, review articles)
- compile information from primary and secondary sources synthesizing broad overviews (encyclopedias, bibliographies, fact books)
Evaluation of source quality
- factors assess author's credentials and expertise, publication date and currency of information, and publisher's reputation to determine trustworthiness
- assessment examines peer-review process, methodology and data collection techniques, and consistency with other reputable sources for accuracy
- criteria evaluate alignment with research topic, depth and breadth of coverage, and target audience and academic level to ensure appropriateness
Research Strategies and Methods
Strategies for source location
- and refinement uses synonyms and related terms with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to narrow or expand searches
- utilize subject headings and controlled vocabulary with advanced search filters (date range, publication type)
- Citation chaining explores forward citations (works that cite your source) and backward citations (works cited by your source) to find related research
- and academic search engines (, , ) provide free access to scholarly articles and preprints
Strengths vs limitations of research methods
- gather large sample size and quantifiable data but risk response bias and limited depth
- Interviews provide in-depth information and flexible questioning while being time-consuming with potential interviewer bias
- offer detailed analysis of specific instances in real-world context but have limited generalizability and potential selection bias
- controls variables to establish cause-effect relationships but may create artificial settings with ethical considerations
- allow natural behavior observation with longitudinal potential while risking observer effect and difficulty in replication
Key Terms to Review (18)
ArXiv: arXiv is an open-access repository where researchers can share preprints of their scholarly articles before they undergo peer review. This platform is especially popular in fields like physics, mathematics, and computer science, enabling researchers to disseminate their findings quickly and receive feedback from the academic community.
Case Studies: Case studies are in-depth examinations of a particular individual, group, event, or situation that are used to gather detailed information and insights. They serve as a research method that allows for a comprehensive understanding of complex issues within their real-life context, often highlighting the interaction of various factors and providing valuable lessons or implications.
Citation chaining: Citation chaining is a research technique that involves using the references of a source to find additional relevant sources, either by looking at the works cited by that source (backward citation chaining) or the works that cite it (forward citation chaining). This method helps researchers build a more comprehensive understanding of a topic by connecting various sources through their citations, making it easier to evaluate the credibility and relevance of information.
Credibility: Credibility refers to the trustworthiness and reliability of a source or argument, which influences how an audience perceives its validity. It is essential for persuading others, as credible sources enhance the effectiveness of arguments and improve the chances of acceptance. Factors that contribute to credibility include the author's qualifications, the accuracy of the information presented, and the overall reputation of the source.
Database-specific search techniques: Database-specific search techniques refer to specialized methods used to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of searching for information within a particular database. These techniques often include using advanced search operators, filters, and controlled vocabulary, which help users retrieve more relevant results while navigating through large amounts of data.
Experimental research: Experimental research is a scientific method that involves manipulating one variable to determine if it causes a change in another variable. This approach allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships by controlling conditions and systematically testing hypotheses. It often involves the use of control and experimental groups to isolate the effect of the independent variable, ensuring the validity and reliability of results.
Google scholar: Google Scholar is a freely accessible web search engine that indexes the full text or metadata of scholarly literature across various formats. It connects users to research articles, theses, books, conference papers, and patents from academic publishers, professional societies, online repositories, and universities. This platform is essential for researchers and students seeking credible academic sources to support their work.
Interviews: Interviews are a qualitative research method used to gather detailed information and insights from individuals through direct questioning. This method allows researchers to explore participants' thoughts, feelings, and experiences in depth, making it an effective tool for understanding complex subjects. Interviews can vary in structure, ranging from highly structured with predetermined questions to unstructured conversations that encourage open dialogue.
JSTOR: JSTOR is a digital library that provides access to thousands of academic journals, books, and primary sources across various disciplines. It is an essential tool for researchers and students, allowing them to find reliable and scholarly information to support their work and studies.
Keyword identification: Keyword identification is the process of recognizing and selecting significant words or phrases that capture the essence of a topic, which aids in searching for and evaluating sources effectively. This technique is essential in research, as it helps to narrow down searches to find relevant information while also assisting in assessing the credibility and relevance of sources based on the identified keywords.
Observational Studies: Observational studies are research methods where the investigator observes subjects without manipulating any variables or conditions. This approach allows researchers to gather data on behaviors, events, or outcomes in their natural setting, providing valuable insights into real-world phenomena. Since there is no intervention, observational studies can help identify associations and generate hypotheses, but they do not establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Open access repositories: Open access repositories are online platforms that provide free, unrestricted access to scholarly research outputs, including articles, theses, and datasets. These repositories promote the sharing of knowledge by making academic work available to anyone with an internet connection, which enhances visibility and citation of research while fostering collaboration among researchers.
Primary sources: Primary sources are original materials or firsthand accounts created at the time an event occurred or created by individuals who experienced the event directly. These sources provide direct evidence about a subject and are essential for in-depth research, allowing scholars to develop independent insights and analyses based on original evidence.
Relevance: Relevance refers to the importance and applicability of information or themes in a particular context. It helps determine whether a source is useful for supporting an argument or understanding a concept, as well as how universal themes resonate across different works and cultures.
Reliability: Reliability refers to the consistency and dependability of a source or measurement, indicating how likely it is that the results can be replicated under similar conditions. In research and source evaluation, reliability is crucial because it helps to ensure that the information gathered is trustworthy and can lead to valid conclusions. A reliable source consistently provides accurate information that researchers can depend on when forming their arguments or understanding a subject.
Secondary sources: Secondary sources are materials that interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources or original data. They provide context, commentary, or critical analysis of information rather than presenting direct evidence or firsthand accounts. These sources are essential for understanding broader perspectives and frameworks surrounding a subject.
Surveys: Surveys are research methods used to collect data from a predetermined group of respondents through questionnaires or interviews. They are commonly employed to gather insights on opinions, behaviors, and demographics, making them valuable for evaluating sources and understanding broader trends in various fields.
Tertiary sources: Tertiary sources are materials that compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources, providing an overview of a topic without presenting original research or firsthand accounts. They serve as a valuable starting point for research by offering quick access to information and context, helping to evaluate the quality and relevance of other sources.