Master Research
As your writing consultants, we’ve all already been in your shoes. We understand how hard and frustrating research can be, but what you’ll learn along the way is that research is actually really fun and rewarding once you get the hang of it. Paper 3 is usually the one that requires the heaviest research, and it’s not ideal that it’s so close to finals. However, with these pieces of advice, you’ll be able to master it in no time. Remember, research will be an enormous part of your lives even outside of your academic writing classes and very soon.
Where to Start
Knowing where to begin your research is vital. The internet is filled with information, and if you’re not careful, you might base your entire essay on unreliable sources. That’s why it’s essential to always check the credibility of your sources. Trusted platforms like Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, and the various digital libraries that SJTU offers free access to are excellent starting points. These resources provide scholarly articles, reputable journals, and authoritative books that can significantly improve the quality of your essays and your life.
Assessing Reliability and Relevance
How do we know a source is reliable? Here are some guidelines:
- Check the author’s credentials: Ensure they have expertise in the subject area.
- Consider the publication source: Prioritize peer-reviewed journals, academic publishers, and reputable organizations over general websites.
- Note the publication date: Use up-to-date sources, especially in fast-evolving fields like AI.
- Look for citations: Reliable sources typically cite their information, allowing you to verify data.
- Understand the purpose: Is the source intended to inform, persuade, or sell something? Watch out for bias.
- Relevance to your topic: Even a top-notch source might be unsuitable if it doesn’t directly relate to your research focus.
Keep in mind that a reliable source in one field might be irrelevant in another. For instance, a solid biomedical engineering article might not help you much for an English literature paper 🙃.
Emily’s Cautionary Tale
To illustrate the importance of using reliable sources, consider the story of Emily, a diligent (but imaginary) student who eagerly started her research project. She relied heavily on general internet searches and used several Wikipedia articles as primary sources. While Wikipedia can be a good starting point, she didn’t verify the information with more authoritative references. Consequently, her paper contained inaccuracies and lacked the depth expected at her academic level. Her professor pointed out the issues, forcing Emily to redo large portions of her work. Exhausted from catching up on other assignments, Emily deeply regretted not checking her sources first 😉.
Key Takeaways
By knowing where to go for research and how to assess the trustworthiness and relevance of your sources, you’ll transform your research process from daunting to manageable. Utilize the recommended databases, apply the evaluation criteria, and learn from cautionary tales like Emily’s 👀 to enhance the quality of your work.
- Effective research skills are essential not just for academic essays but also for future professional and personal pursuits.
- With the right tools and strategies, mastering research is entirely within your reach.
Happy researching!