This document provides guidance on conducting effective research searches. It outlines key steps in the research process, including identifying important concepts and keywords from the research question, considering alternative keywords and sources of information, evaluating the reliability and objectivity of sources, and properly citing sources. The document also lists specific library databases and websites that can be used to find information and recommends resources for citations and evaluating source credibility.

1. E n g l i s h I I R e s e a r c h
k e l l i e . d o y l e @ c h s d 1 1 7 . o r g
SEARCHING FOR
RELIABLE SOURCES

2. DIGITAL SEARCHING MODEL
https://coolhub.imsa.edu/web/teaching-information-fluency/

3. • How many key concepts (important
ideas) are found in the question?
• How many key concepts will I search
for?
• What keywords are probably effective
"as is?"
• For which concepts are more effective
keywords probably needed?
source: http://21cif.com/resources/curriculum/querychecklist.html
WHAT INFORMATION
AM I LOOKING FOR?

4. • Are there hyponyms or professional
language for any of the intermediate
words?
• Are there words that have multiple
meanings?
• Did I use any stop words or clutter words?
• Did I spell the words correctly?
• Did I put the most important words first?
source: http://21cif.com/resources/curriculum/querychecklist.html
WHAT INFORMATION
AM I LOOKING FOR?

5. YOUR RESEARCH
• What topic are you researching?
• Can you eliminate any unnecessary
words?
• Are there better words to use for any of
your terms?

6. WHERE WILL I FIND
THE INFORMATION?
Brainstorm a list of sources that might
be best for finding information about
your topic.

7. HOW WILL I GET THERE?
• Library Databases:
• SIRS Researcher
• Opposing Viewpoints in Context
• Student Resources in Context
• Global Issues in Context
Access from home:
sd117 / library

8. HOW WILL I GET THERE?
• Internet:
• Google (http://www.google.com)
• Yahoo (http://yahoo.com)
• Duck Duck Go (http://duckduckgo.com)
• Hakia (http://hakia.com)

9. HOW GOOD IS THE INFORMATION?
• Author
• Publisher
• Objectivity
• Links from
• Date
• Accuracy
• Evidence
• Links to
Source: http://21cif.com/ctd/authority-tutorial.html

10. HOW WILL I ETHICALLY USE THE
INFORMATION?
•Paraphrase!
•Use direct quotes!
•Cite your sources!

11. MLA CITATION HELP
•Copy/paste citations from
databases
•Use NoodleTools
•Consult resources like Purdue’s
Online Writing Lab (OWL)
•Ask your teacher or Ms. Doyle
kellie.doyle@chsd117.org

12. http://libguides.chsd117
.org/eng2research