Becoming Skeptical Researchers
Disgraced: Scientists, Politicians, and Public Figures
The focus of today’s class is to help you become skeptical researchers.
Information comes from many different sources and it is important to look at where that information is coming from.
It can have a profound effect on your career, both in and out of school.
Defining Good Research
Differences between Sources
| Academic | Trade | Popular | |
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| Content | Original research and experimentation | Industry/trade trends, products, and news | Current events, opinions, and general information |
| Look | Plain, long articles, may contain charts and graphs | Glossy, contains photos and industry/trade related advertisements | Glossy, contains color photos and everyday product advertisements |
| Authors | Experts in their field | Industry specialists or staff writers | Journalists/reporters, staff or freelance writers |
| Audience | Professors, researchers, students | Members of the particular industry or trade | Anyone |
| Language | Academic and technical | Jargon of the industry | Written in a language for anyone to understand |
| Documentation | Footnotes or bibliography | Occasionally contain cited sources | References may be mentioned in text |
Important Characteristics
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Qualified author
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Current publication date
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References or works cited
Researching a Topic
What is Summon?
Summon is a "Google-like" tool that searches many DelVal databases (and the book catalog) simultaneously. This single-search option is a nice time saver, and it often uncovers resources that you might otherwise have overlooked. You'll get lots of results, so take advantage of the limiter options on the left side of the results screen.
- Summon This link opens in a new window
A research tool that searches all DelVal databases simultaneously. Contains books, ebooks, dvds, online videos, journals, magazines, newspapers, conference proceedings, and more.
Getting Help
Meet with a Librarian
The Writing Center
The Writing Center is staffed by DelVal undergraduate peer tutors who help with writing assignments in all your courses. We view writing as a process that involves planning, reading, drafting, revising, and editing—writing with substance involves discovering your meaning through brainstorming, sharing, and getting lots of feedback.
Tutors help you gain a fresh perspective on the writing process, and can assist with any stage of the process: choosing a topic or working through writer's block, generating ideas, creating an outline, sharpening a thesis, arranging and organizing paragraphs, citing correctly and fluently, editing grammar and mechanics, and more.
Instructors receive a copy of the tutor report completed during the session, to illustrate your engagement with the writing process and meeting the demands of writing across disciplines.
Services are on a walk-in basis, so no appointment is necessary. Schedules are posted in the Writing Center, on Inside DelVal, and on professors' Blackboard course pages.
Tutors look forward to working with you!
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The Writing CenterWe offer in-person writing tutoring AND remote writing tutoring through Zoom. To receive in-person tutoring, simply stop by Miller Hall, room 103 during our open hours. You will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.