When beginning your research, it is important to select appropriate types of information to support your analysis. Personal opinions, factual evidence, and statistical data each serve different purposes and should be used intentionally rather than interchangeably. Understanding the strengths and limitations of various sources will help you apply them effectively, and this process will guide you in determining which types of sources are most appropriate for your research goals.
Think back on your past research projects. Make a copy and fill in as much as you can on the worksheet based on your own academic journey. Spend at least 5 minutes reflecting on how you’ve used different sources in your research.
Next, read through the second page of the worksheet. Update your answers or add any missing info as you go along.
On the path, talk about your learning process today from start to finish. How did your personal experiences with research (primary research) shape your understanding? How did reading an article (secondary research) help you? Share your insights and discoveries with the group.
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