Research Methods and Source Evaluation

This video tutorial introduces students to essential research skills for a project on early 1800s reformers. It outlines three main research goals, including maintaining a properly formatted works cited list, using a variety of sources, and creating an effective notes document. The video also reviews primary and secondary sources, demonstrates how to navigate the 'US History in Context' database, and explains how to identify and categorize different source types. Students are encouraged to use primary sources and are guided on how to annotate and organize their research effectively.

What are the three main goals of the research project on early 1800s reformers?

• Conducting interviews, analyzing data, and writing a report.

• Writing a research paper, presenting findings, and creating a bibliography.

• Maintaining a works cited list, using a variety of sources, and creating an effective notes document.

• Creating a timeline, writing a summary, and presenting a slideshow.

What is required for the first research goal regarding the works cited list?

• Creating a visual presentation of sources.

• Only using primary sources.

• Incorporating feedback into the final list.

• Using EasyBib for all citations.

What is the focus of the second research goal?

• Writing a fictional account of the reformers.

• Using a single source type for research.

• Building knowledge using a variety of sources.

• Creating a detailed timeline of events.

What is the purpose of using a variety of sources in research?

• To make the project more colorful.

• To build a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

• To confuse the reader with too much information.

• To avoid using primary sources.

What should be included in the notes document for the third research goal?

• A summary of each source without citations.

• Personal opinions without any source references.

• All information found during research with source citations.

• Only direct quotes from sources.

What should you avoid when taking notes for your research?

• Writing down your own thoughts.

• Copying and pasting large sections of text.

• Using short phrases to capture information.

• Using different colors for organization.

What is a primary source?

• An article analyzing past events.

• A textbook summarizing historical events.

• A fictional story set in the past.

• A document or object created at the time of the event.

Which of the following is an example of a secondary source?

• A textbook analyzing historical events.

• A letter written by a historical figure.

• A photograph taken during the event.

• A diary entry from the 1800s.

Where can you find primary sources for your research?

• In modern newspaper articles.

• In databases, libraries, and archives.

• Only in textbooks.

• In fictional novels.

What is the benefit of using primary sources in research?

• They provide a fictional account of events.

• They allow you to form your own conclusions.

• They are easier to find than secondary sources.

• They are always more detailed than secondary sources.