In this lesson, we will focus on finding, working with, and evaluating text-based sources of evidence. Specifically, we provide guidelines for the critical evaluation of the sources you will encounter. You will learn how to distinguish between more popular and more scholarly types of sources, including the benefits and limitations of each for academic research. We also provide strategies and tips for conducting effective and efficient searches using Google and library databases.

This lesson highlights topics covered in Chapter 7 in your Writing Critically handbook, where you can find additional research tools.

Expand each accordion for video guides. 

Evaluating and Identifying Sources

Let's take a look at some of the resources you'll be using in your research!

Scroll over the bottom of the video to access video controls and turn on captions (CC) if desired. You can also download a transcript.

Academic Search Premier

Now we'll dive into We will be using Academic Search Premier. If you want, you can open another browser window and follow along with the tutorial to get some practice. 

Scroll over the bottom of the video to access video controls and turn on captions (CC) if desired. You can also download a transcript.

Getting More Out of Google

We all use Google every day, but there are ways to make it work better for you as a researcher! Watch the video below for helpful search tips and tricks. 

Scroll over the bottom of the video to access video controls and turn on captions (CC) if desired. You can also download a transcript.