Reference Sources

Reference Sources

Where to go when you're researching

Multiple Choice

In which scenario would you use a dictionary?

• You're going to present your research, but you don't know how to pronounce some of the words.

• You want general information about velociraptors.

• You are planning a road trip and need the mileage to Dallas.

Multiple Choice

In which scenario would you use a encyclopedia?

• You need detailed information about the content of Frederick Douglas's books

• You need to read an expert's opinion on Frederick Douglas's philosophy

• You need a general outline of Frederick Douglas's life events

Multiple Choice

In which scenario would you use a thesaurus?

• There is a big word you don't know in an encyclopedia article

• You have used the word "good" five times in one paragraph. You need to mix it up.

• You need to figure out the Greek or Latin root of a word.

Multiple Choice

Which blog or website would be appropriate for academic research?

• "Delving into The Great War," a blog written by Dr. Edward Sheehan, a history professor from the University of Tennessee

• "All About World War I," a project on Prezi by Taylor Woodson

• "My Battles," a photo blog of war re-enactor, Joseph McIntosh

Multiple Choice

In which scenario would you most likely use an academic database?

• You need to find out if your library has a copy of Frederick Douglas's autobiography

• You need to read an expert's analysis about Frederick Douglas's role in history

• You need a general outline of Frederick Douglas's life events

Multiple Select

Which periodicals are good to use for academic research?

• Editorial page of The Northern Virginia Daily

• Archived news story from 1994 in The Washington Post

• National Geographic article about Viking exploration

• The Onion, a satire magazine