Here are some useful tips to help you get the most out of your catalog and database searches.
When using Internet sources in a research project it is important to take critical look at the website you are using and to determine if it contains reliable information. Look for the following when evaluating websites.
Authority- Does the site have an author or sponsoring organization that is qualified and knowledgeable about the topic you are researching?
Accuracy- Is the information on the site correct? You may need to have a second source to fact check against if you are not sure.
Currency- Is the website up to date? Look for copyrights or the date the site was last updated to make sure you are not getting old data.
Objectivity- Is the Information on the site biased? Look for ads, editorial writings, or other indications that the site is meant to sway the audience to a particular point of view.
Coverage- How comprehensive is the site? Look to see if the the purpose or goals of the site are clearly given. Make sure they are not promoting a particular product or ideology.
Your research paper should discuss a major historic style, artist or topic pertaining to interior design. Five resources are required and only 2 may be from the Internet.
*Reminder: Wikipedia is not a research resource, this is just a list of people you could do your research project on.
Simply knowing the right search terms can help immensely in the research process. Some recommended search terms are:
For the EBSCO Databases: Academic Search premier & MasterFile premier
All other databases: Proquest research library & Opposing viewpoints