Research Resources
Research Databases
These will be your top resource for finding information for your project.
The list of databases are available here (or by navigating to the "research" tab at the top of the page).
Research tip: If you are still early in the research process, start with the "general topics" databases before moving onto specialty databases.
The list of databases are available here (or by navigating to the "research" tab at the top of the page).
Research tip: If you are still early in the research process, start with the "general topics" databases before moving onto specialty databases.
Websites (make sure they are credible!)
- Use boolean operators, intitle and inurl searching, and quotation marks to narrow down your search results.
- Preferred website domains:
- .edu
- .org
- .gov
- .mil
- Google Scholar is a good place to look for academic articles.
Print resources
Try searching the CHS library catalog to find library books on your topic. You may need to try searching multiple keywords before you find a good match. Ask Ms. Anderson if you need help!
Your public library may have good resources, as well. Search the catalogs here:
Your public library may have good resources, as well. Search the catalogs here:
Research Tips
Evaluate your sources
Use the CRAAP test to determine if a website is appropriate for research:
- Currency - When was it published? The source should be as current as possible.
- Relevancy - Is the information credible, on-topic, and presented at an appropriate reading level?
- Authority - Who is the creator/publisher? Are they qualified to write on this topic? Does the URL reveal anything about the source?
- Accuracy - Is the information supported by evidence and verifiable through other sources? Are references listed?
- Purpose - What is the purpose of the information (i.e. to teach, to sell a product, to entertain)? Are biases detectable?
Cite your sources in MLA style, 9th edition
- Use NoodleTools to help create citations. Use Ms. Anderson's MLA 9 cheat sheet and the Purdue OWL to double check your citations for accuracy.
- Visit the Purdue OWL website for further citation questions and help formatting your paper.
About plagiarism
Using someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as your own without giving proper credit is plagiarism. It is THE most serious offense in academia and can have severe consequences.
Examples of plagiarism:
Examples of plagiarism:
- Copying and pasting an excerpt of a website into your paper without citing it.
- Copying from someone else's paper.
- Reusing any part of a past assignment without instructor permission and proper citation.
- Failing to properly cite a source you referenced.
- Using a paraphrase generator.
- Keep track of your sources.
- Recognize the difference between quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing (and cite accordingly).
- Manage your time well.
- Make use of NoodleTools, the Purdue OWL, and your friendly neighborhood librarian for help.