CCGA Survival Guide: Research Resources

Before you search for resources analyze your topic. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is my topic too broad?
• Is my topic too narrow?
• Can I break down my topic to make it easier to research?
  • For Example: homogeneous grouping in schools
    • You know homogeneous means of the same or a similar kind or nature.
    • Next ask yourself, "What is being grouped together?" Is it the students, curriculum, or the school organizations?
    • Lastly, what kind of school are you researching? Is it a public, private, or a for profit school?

Tip: Make sure that your resource is credible:

1. Look at the URL address of the website. The URL address starts with http://. Addresses ending in .gov, .us and .(STATE ABBREVIATION) are reliable. All other endings will require more investigation to know if they are credible or not.
2. URL address that contain tildes (~) usually mean that an individual published the site. Individual publishers unaffiliated with a credible corporation can have their own agendas. These sites may not have the most credible information.
3. Check the publishing date. Obviously, Internet pages that have been published more recently are more credible.
4. Figure out the site's purpose. Sites that are selling you something or asking you to sign up for something may not be present you with neutral, unbiased information.
5. Check out the contact information and resources. Credible websites should list contact information and resources.
6. Decide if the article is describing facts or the author's opinions. Statements that start with "I think" or "From my experience" aren't as reliable as those that begin with "Experts recommend" or "Research proves."
7. Ask yourself whether or not the article has answered all of your questions after you have finished reading it. If the article still leaves you with questions, it may not be the most credible source.

Search our library catalog:

eBooks count as a BOOK RESOURCE for research papers!

Which research tool is your favorite?

Research Tools

GIL 

Search Main Campus & Camden Center libraries.

GILExpress 

Search other university libraries.

PINES

Search public libraries in Georgia

 GALILEO 

Search multiple information resources.

JSTOR 

Search electronic Journals.

 eBook (EBSCO)

Search eBooks & eJournals 

Need help finding books?-CLICK HERE- 

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Google Scholar

Which paper format are you using?...

MLA or APA?...

• MLA is the Modern Language Association. It promotes the study and teaching of language and literature.
• APA is the American Psychological Association. It is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychologists in the United States.

Click below on the format your using to view guidelines and examples

-MLA-

-APA-