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Foundations of Research

This guide lays the foundation for critical research skills. You learn these skills in IS 101 and can review them at any time.

Ask A Librarian

Librarians are always ready to help with this assignment and others:

Walk up - Come to the 2nd floor library Service Desk.

Phone - Call 319-352-8506 for reference questions.

Email - Send your questions to "Ask A Librarian."

Chat - Use the chat button on the library's homepage.

Consult by appointment - Set up an individual meeting using the "Who is your librarian?" link above.

Evaluation: Three questions

What is it? Why do I care? What does it really say?

You answer these three questions every time you use a source, whether you know it or not.

  • Whether it is a website or a scholarly journal article...
  • Whether it is for a 1st-year course or real life...

Start noticing how you answer these questions to ensure your sources are really meeting your needs.

The Three Questions:

  • What is it: What is the source type and author credibility?
    • Quick Wikipedia checks are okay! You can also compare what other source say about that source.
  • Why do I care: Does the source type and author credibility meet your needs?
    • Decide this at the beginning so you know whether to read the material or find something better.
  • What does it really say: Perceive how the word choices influence the knowledge.
    • The author's word choices, included and excluded information, and the aim of the publication all make a difference in how or why you would use a source.

Evaluation Foundations: Learn the three questions with these videos

IS 101 Evaluation Tutorial

3 Questions Evaluation Infographic

Vogel Library, Wartburg College   |   100 Wartburg Blvd, Waverly, IA, 50677 |   Phone: 319-352-8500   | Email: asklibrarian@wartburg.edu