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Key research skills

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Save Time

noteKeep track of your resources right from the start. If you don't, it may be challenging to refer back for more information or for citing and creating your bibliography.

For each resource, record the:

  • Article title
  • Publication or book title
  • Database or website name
  • Date, page numbers, etc. 

Popular or Scholarly?

Disclaimer

Yavapai College does not necessarily endorse nor condone content found on third-party websites. Links are provided as a convenience only.

Peer-Review in 5 Minutes

Tips for Selecting Articles

Examine the citation of an article:

  • It lists the name of the article, publication, and author.
  • The date and length of the article will also be given.
  • These can be used to make a quick decision as to the article’s usefulness.

Read the abstract:

  • The abstract is a short summary of the article.  This is another quick way to determine the article's usefulness.
  • If no abstract is available, skim the article. 

Use the best format of the article:

  • Articles in HTML format will load quickly in your browser & will use less paper to print.
  • PDF format will give you an exact image of the article as it appeared in the journal.

Selecting Articles for Your Research

How to Select Appropriate Articles

Consider the purpose of the article:

  • Is it research-based, a personal account, a news report, an historical account?
  • Who is the audience? This may have a bearing on its suitability for your needs.
  • Is there a bias?
  • Is the information objective and balanced?

Where & when was the article published?

  • Was it published in a magazine, newspaper, or journal?
  • What does the focus of a periodical reveal about the article's suitability?
  • Date – think about how important current information is to your topic.

Are you finding quality information?

  • Is the information accurate and factual?
  • Are the article’s sources cited?
  • Is the author knowledgeable on the subject?
  • Was the article peer-reviewed?