Module one - Topic Three

Module One - Topic Three

Focus Questions:

* What is meant by quality sources of information for academic writing?

* List the sound strategies you would undertake to identify appropriate quality resources for a set academic task.

* What strategies are involved in secondary research?

* Why is it essential to carefully evaluate your resources?

1) What is meant by quality sources of information for academic writing?

The term 'quality sources of infromation for academic writing' refers to using texts that are both 'relevant' and 'reliable' as stated by Grellier and Goerke(2010,p.40). The text needs to be at a suitable level for a tertiary student, but also needs to challenge. Some may be too easy and some may be too hard. After finding a suitable text, then it must be evaluated to see if the information and aslo the arguments can be relied upon.Research can be done on the background of the text to find out if its reputable.

2) List the sound strategies you would undertake to identify appropraite quality resources for a set academic task?

First check if the source is suitable. Suitable sources include, books or articles in journals, in a University library; articles (and conference papers)selected as 'scholarly' from an academic database; and if permitted academically suitable websites.

I t can be seen to be reputable if correct in text citations have been used and the source has been reviewed by other academics.

3) What strategies are involved in secondary research?

Grellier and Goerke(2010) suggest using the library first. Knowing how to 'browse effiicently' and use search engines effectively is important. Can start by looking within classifucation number for the particular subject. Isolating keywords and phrases can help to search. A dictionary cand help to locate related words.Once one or two useful books have been found, can use these to identify more keywords, by looking at headings.The search should not be restrcited to one subject area. Understanding the library search engines, such as library catalogues, electronic databases, and even online search engines and directories.

4) It is essential to carefully evaluate your resources, so that you have credible information to back up your argument or claims. If the source is not reputable then your work will also be seen as not reputable.

Online Task: You are required to respond to the following task once you have examined each of the resources for this week. Please post your responses on the discussion board and