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Research Methods
Academic Writing

  • The Internet has given writers in all fields the ability to conduct research more quickly, and more thoroughly, than ever before.But when it comes to well-written and effective content, the need for correct information, from reliable and authoritative resources, remains the same.

    Unfortunately, the Internet contains some extremely valuable, high-quality information sources – and it also contains some very unreliable, biased sources of misinformation. Therefore it is important to know that the Web is an unregulated resource. 

    Checking the reliability and accuracy of information taken from random sites could take more time than going to the library. And using information you have not checked from such sources could have a detrimental impact on your final grades.

    • Website Validity - Can we trust what's written on the Internet?

      Checking the reliability and accuracy of information taken from random sites could take more time than going to the library. And using information you have not checked from such sources could have a detrimental impact on your final grades.

      Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to evaluate the credibility of a website.

      Look at the following videos as an introduction to what's reliable and how to recognise it.

       

    • Evaluating Sources - Infograph Page

    • Wikipedia - A wealth of information or a minefield of trash?

      This video's main focus is on Wikipedia, but gives a general introduction to website credibility and the CRAAP Test

    • LET'S HAVE A GO...

      Below are four websites related to the topic of Euthanasia. Look at all four and using the worksheet, consider all the points you would look at when choosing a resource for your assignment.

    • Checklist for Using Web Resources Page
    • Euthanasia: Website 1 URL
    • Euthanasia: Website 2 URL
    • Euthanasia: Website 3 URL
    • Euthanasia: Website 4 URL
Research Methods
Academic Writing