March 29, 2010

So far in our English class we have been assigned certain assignments in which we have had to research and use outside sources in order to validate and strengthen our argument. However, not just "any" source would suffice. We have had to use sources that are appropriate in our argument and ones that have been scholarly certified.

When I first receive an assignment in which I must use sources, I go through multiple steps in which I seek and determine whether sources are reliable and sufficient. I first decide which stance and side I will argue in the assignment and then try and decide which quotes or statistics would best help my argument. I then start my search by using the EBSCO search engine which I have just recently found to be a useful source in order for research thanks to this class. When using this search engine I first start very narrow in my search and if I have no success in finding the perfect quote I broaden my search until I find the appropriate article. I then run this article through Ulrich in order to determine whether it is peer reviewed and scholarly. Once I have decided the sources and quotes that I will use in my paper I then go about deciding on how to incorporate them accordingly into my paper in an effective way in which they will support my argument. I first decide which three main arguments I will make throughout my paper. Once I have done this I decide which quotes will best support these arguments and I place them accordingly. I can improve this process however by not looking for such specific quotes because I find myself sometimes not able to find "exactly" what I was looking for which leaves me empty handed sometimes. I also could use more search engines other than EBSCO in order to widen my options.