Glossary

9.1 Research Methods and Source Evaluation

5 min read•july 19, 2024

Research methods and source evaluation are crucial skills for academic success. They help students navigate the vast sea of information available and identify reliable sources for their studies.

Understanding different types of sources, assessing credibility, and employing effective search strategies are key. These skills enable students to build a strong foundation for their research, ensuring they use accurate and relevant information in their academic work.

Research Methods and Source Evaluation

Types of research sources

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  • Primary sources
    • Original materials created during the time period being studied such as letters, diaries, interviews, photographs, and artifacts
    • Provide firsthand accounts and direct evidence of the topic or event under investigation
    • Examples: a soldier's diary from World War II, a recording of a presidential speech, an ancient clay tablet with inscriptions
  • Secondary sources
    • Interpretations, analyses, or evaluations of primary sources created after the time period being studied
    • Offer insights, commentary, and scholarly perspectives on the primary sources and the topic
    • Examples: a scholarly article analyzing the impact of a historical event, a biography of a famous artist, a textbook discussing a scientific theory
  • Tertiary sources
    • Compilations or summaries of primary and secondary sources designed to provide an overview of a topic or guide readers to other sources
    • Serve as a starting point for research and help identify key concepts, terms, and resources
    • Examples: an encyclopedia entry on a historical figure, a directory of organizations in a specific field, a guidebook to a city or region

Credibility of research sources

    • Consider the author's credentials, expertise, and affiliations to determine their level of authority on the subject
    • Evaluate the publisher's reputation and editorial process to ensure the source has undergone rigorous review
    • Examples: a peer-reviewed journal article written by a renowned expert, a book published by a university press
    • Assess the reliability of information and data presented in the source by checking for citations and references
    • Cross-verify the information with other reputable sources to ensure consistency and accuracy
    • Examples: a scientific study with detailed methodology and data, a news article with multiple expert opinions
    • Examine the bias, perspective, or agenda of the author or publisher to determine the source's objectivity
    • Look for the inclusion of various viewpoints and counterarguments to ensure a balanced approach
    • Examples: a research paper that presents multiple theories and their criticisms, an article with a disclaimer about the author's affiliation
    • Check the publication date and consider its to the research topic to ensure the information is up-to-date
    • Prioritize sources that discuss the most recent developments and findings in the field
    • Examples: a study on the latest advancements in technology, an article discussing current political events
  • Relevance
    • Evaluate the alignment of the source with the specific or thesis to determine its relevance
    • Consider the depth and breadth of coverage on the topic to ensure the source provides sufficient information
    • Examples: a book chapter focusing on a specific aspect of the research topic, a case study illustrating a key concept

Strategies for source location

    • Identify main concepts and terms related to the research topic to use as search keywords
    • Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine search results and improve relevance
    • Examples: "climate change" AND "renewable energy", "social media" OR "online networking"
  • and
    • Utilize standardized terms assigned to resources in databases to locate relevant sources
    • Explore related subject headings to discover additional sources and broaden the search scope
    • Examples: using the subject heading "World War II" in a history database, exploring "cognitive psychology" and its related terms
    • Examine bibliographies and references of relevant sources to identify frequently cited authors or works in the field
    • Use these citations to locate additional sources and trace the development of ideas on the topic
    • Examples: checking the references of a seminal paper in the field, exploring the works cited in a literature review
    • Apply filters for date range, language, publication type, and peer-review status to narrow down search results
    • Use truncation and wildcard symbols to broaden or narrow search terms and account for variations in spelling or phrasing
    • Examples: limiting results to peer-reviewed articles published within the last 5 years, using the truncation symbol * in "psychol*" to retrieve "psychology", "psychological", etc.

Strengths vs limitations of research methods

    • Strengths:
      1. Generalizability due to large sample sizes and representative sampling
      2. Objectivity in data collection and analysis using standardized procedures
      3. Statistical analysis allows for hypothesis testing and inference
    • Limitations:
      1. Lack of in-depth understanding of individual experiences and contexts
      2. Potential for oversimplification of complex phenomena into numerical data
    • Examples: conducting a survey on consumer preferences, analyzing test scores to compare educational outcomes
    • Strengths:
      1. Rich, detailed data that captures the complexity and nuances of human experiences
      2. Exploration of subjective experiences, meanings, and perspectives
      3. Flexibility in data collection and analysis to adapt to emerging insights
    • Limitations:
      1. Limited generalizability due to small, purposive samples
      2. Potential for researcher bias in data interpretation and reporting
    • Examples: conducting in-depth interviews with cancer survivors, observing classroom interactions in an ethnographic study
    • Strengths:
      1. Combination of quantitative and qualitative data provides a more comprehensive understanding
      2. Triangulation of findings from different methods enhances validity and credibility
      3. Complementary strengths of each approach can offset their respective limitations
    • Limitations:
      1. Time-consuming and resource-intensive to collect and analyze multiple types of data
      2. Requires expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods for effective integration
    • Examples: an explanatory sequential design that uses qualitative interviews to explain quantitative survey results, a convergent parallel design that collects both types of data simultaneously and merges them for analysis

Key Terms to Review (24)

Accuracy: Accuracy refers to the degree to which information is correct, precise, and reliable. In research and source evaluation, accuracy is crucial as it affects the validity of conclusions drawn from the data. High accuracy ensures that findings are credible and can be trusted, making it essential for scholars and researchers when assessing sources and information.
Advanced search features: Advanced search features are specialized tools and techniques that enhance the search capabilities of databases, search engines, and digital libraries, allowing users to refine their queries and obtain more relevant results. These features enable the use of Boolean operators, filters, and specific fields to tailor searches based on various criteria such as date, author, publication type, or subject matter.
Apa style: APA style is a set of rules and guidelines established by the American Psychological Association for writing and citing sources in research papers. It emphasizes clarity, precision, and proper attribution of ideas, making it essential for academic writing in psychology and other social sciences. Understanding APA style helps writers properly format their work, cite sources correctly, and present information in a structured manner that enhances credibility and authority.
Authority: Authority refers to the recognized power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. In research, authority is crucial as it helps determine the credibility and reliability of sources, influencing the validity of the information being presented. Understanding authority allows researchers to discern which voices in a particular field hold weight and which may not be trustworthy or credible.
Citation: A citation is a reference to a source of information, typically used in academic writing to credit the original author and provide evidence for claims made. Citations help readers locate the source material, which fosters credibility and allows for further investigation into the topic. Accurate citations are crucial in maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism.
Citation management software: Citation management software is a tool that helps researchers collect, organize, and format their references and citations in various styles. This type of software streamlines the process of managing sources, making it easier to create bibliographies and integrate citations into research papers. By automating citation formatting and organization, it allows users to focus more on their research rather than on citation details.
Citation mining: Citation mining is the process of reviewing the reference lists or bibliographies of academic sources to identify additional relevant literature on a topic. This method allows researchers to uncover a broader range of sources, including seminal works and contemporary studies, by tracing how different works are interconnected through citations. By exploring these connections, citation mining enhances the depth and breadth of research, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Controlled vocabularies: Controlled vocabularies are standardized sets of terms used to organize and categorize information consistently. They help in improving the precision of search results, ensuring that users find relevant sources when conducting research, by using specific language that is agreed upon within a field or subject area.
Craap test: The craap test is a method used to evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources, primarily focusing on the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose of the information presented. This systematic approach helps individuals discern quality sources when conducting research and ensures that the information used is trustworthy and appropriate for their needs.
Currency: Currency refers to the system of money in general use in a particular country or economic context. It plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, investment, and the overall economy, while also being an important factor in research methods and source evaluation as it impacts the timeliness and relevance of information.
Keyword searching: Keyword searching is a research technique used to find specific information by entering relevant words or phrases into a search engine or database. This method is essential for locating academic resources and credible information, as it helps refine search results based on the terms that best represent the subject of inquiry.
Mixed methods: Mixed methods refers to a research approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques within a single study. This method allows researchers to capture a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem by integrating numerical data with narrative insights, making it possible to validate results through triangulation and enhance the overall robustness of findings.
Note-taking: Note-taking is the process of writing down information from lectures, readings, or discussions in a concise and organized manner. It helps to capture key ideas, concepts, and details that can later be reviewed for understanding and retention. Effective note-taking also aids in synthesizing information, making connections, and evaluating sources critically.
Objectivity: Objectivity refers to the practice of perceiving and presenting information without being influenced by personal feelings, biases, or interpretations. This principle is crucial in ensuring that research and sources are evaluated fairly, allowing conclusions to be drawn based on facts rather than subjective opinions or emotions.
Paraphrasing: Paraphrasing is the act of restating information or ideas from a source in your own words while retaining the original meaning. This skill is essential for effectively integrating evidence into arguments, evaluating research sources, and properly formatting citations, as it allows for clearer communication and demonstrates understanding of the material.
Peer review: Peer review is a process where experts in a specific field evaluate the work of their colleagues to ensure the quality, validity, and relevance of research or writing before it is published or presented. This practice fosters a critical assessment of ideas and methodologies, enhancing the credibility and impact of written works and presentations.
Qualitative Methods: Qualitative methods refer to research strategies focused on understanding human behavior, experiences, and social phenomena through non-numerical data. These methods prioritize in-depth insights, capturing the complexities of subjects' perspectives, often using interviews, focus groups, and observations. By emphasizing context and meaning, qualitative research helps reveal the underlying motivations and emotions that drive actions.
Quantitative methods: Quantitative methods refer to research techniques that focus on quantifying data and statistical analysis to understand patterns, relationships, or phenomena. These methods are essential for collecting numerical data that can be analyzed statistically, allowing researchers to draw objective conclusions and make predictions based on the data gathered.
Relevance: Relevance refers to the importance or significance of information in relation to a specific topic, question, or research goal. It helps determine which sources are useful and appropriate for supporting arguments or providing insights. Understanding relevance is essential for effective research, as it ensures that the information collected aligns with the research objectives and addresses the needs of the audience.
Research question: A research question is a clear, focused, and specific inquiry that guides the direction of a research project. It helps to define the scope of the study and determines what the researcher aims to discover or analyze. Crafting a well-formed research question is crucial as it sets the foundation for the research methods used and the evaluation of sources.
Secondary source: A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere. These sources interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources and provide additional context, making them valuable for research and understanding historical events or subjects.
Subject Headings: Subject headings are standardized terms used to categorize and organize information in a systematic way, making it easier to locate relevant materials in libraries and databases. They provide a consistent vocabulary that helps researchers find resources related to specific topics efficiently, guiding users in their search for information.
Tertiary source: A tertiary source is a type of information resource that compiles and summarizes primary and secondary sources. It serves as a reference tool, providing an overview of a topic without presenting original research or firsthand accounts. Tertiary sources are commonly used in research methods and source evaluation as they help researchers locate relevant primary and secondary materials efficiently.
Thesis statement: A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of a piece of writing, usually presented in the introduction. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining what to expect in the text and guiding the direction of the argument or analysis.
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