Welcome
Welcome!
This research guide highlights sources related to Business, Marketing and Advertising . In addition to the sources below, users should check the Online Catalog or consult with a Reference Librarian or an Information Professional for further assistance.
Library Specialist
Library Specialist
Norfolk State
University
700 Park Avenue
Lyman Beecher Brooks Library
Information Services
Suite 1012
Norfolk, VA 23504
Virginia Beach Higher Education Center
1881 University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
757.368.4150
Brainstorm
Turn your topic into a question: who, what, where, why and how.
- questions answered with a yes or no do not make the best research question
- choose something that you are interested in
- browse a subject encyclopedia or the table of contents from a book on your topic
- use the web wisely
You are just browsing for ideas and not collecting sources at this point.
Write out a question or just state your topic.
Example:
Topic: Video games and learning
Question: Do games help students in the classroom?
Finding the Best Sources
When you search for information, you are going to find a lot of information. You might call it, information overload. Is it good information? You will have to evaluate what you find by using the CRAAP test criteria. The CRAAP test is a list of questions to assist you in evaluating the information that you find.
Evaluation Criteria
Currency: the timeliness of the information.
- When was the information published or posted
- Does the topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
- Has the information been revised or updated
- Are the links functional
Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.
- Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
- Who is the intended audience
- Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e.., not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
- Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one you will use?
- Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?
Authority: The source of the information.
- Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
- What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
- Is the author qualified to write on this topic
- Is there contrast information, such as a publisher or email address?
- Does the URL revel anything about the author or source examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.
- Where does the information come from?
- Is the information supported by evidence?
- Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
- Does the language tone seem unbiased and free from emotion?
- Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?
Purpose: The reason the information exists.
- What is the purpose of the information?
- Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
- Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
- IS the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
- Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?