Information Sourcing
Here are some tips for searching for information online when writing a paper:
- Use relevant keywords: Start by identifying relevant keywords that describe your topic and use them to search for information. Try different combinations of keywords to broaden or narrow your search results.
- Utilise academic databases: Academic databases, such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, provide access to a wealth of peer-reviewed articles, books, and other academic sources. These databases are a great starting point for your research.
- Check the credibility of sources: When evaluating the credibility of a source, consider the author’s qualifications, the date of publication, the publisher, and the source’s bias or perspective. Avoid sources that are not credible, such as personal blogs or unreliable websites.
- Use advanced search techniques
- Utilise advanced search techniques, such as quotation marks to search for exact phrases, and the minus sign to exclude specific terms from your search results.
- Take advantage of library resources: Many universities and colleges offer online resources and databases through their libraries. These resources can provide access to valuable information that may not be available through other sources.
By following these tips, you can effectively search for information online and locate reliable and credible sources to support your research and writing.
For more information on these topics and more, please visit www.lsdnedu.org.uk or make an appointment with our Student Wellbeing Officer at LSDN.