As you prepare to gather sources, you will need to consider the following questions:
Use these answers to help you decide where to being gathering sources. For example, certain government websites might post immigration statistics, but those websites probably won't provide a critique of those statistics
Keep in mind that every source of information (for example, Google Scholar or Academic Search Complete) looks and works differently. While Google Scholar has one main search box, Academic Search Complete has multiple boxes. Exploring how each of these tools works, and understanding what the tool is searching (all of the internet? or only certain resources?) can help you target the types of information you are seeking.
Already know what you need? Here are a few more options:
I need background information | I need a broad overview | I need detailed information |
Try the Gale Virtual Reference Library | Try searching for books in the library catalog | Try searching for articles in Academic Search Complete |
Q: When using a certain tool, like Academic Search complete, what voices or perspectives might be privileged? Whose voices might be missing within this sort of tool?
Q: In what ways might the choice of a certain tool, like the NY Times database, impact the information you are able to gather?