Online Writing Guide

The George Mason University Library system will have more scholarly material than a public library. Visit the library and ask a librarian for help in finding materials. Ask a librarian online.

What databases would be appropriate for finding resources on your subject?

Familiarize yourself with the search strategies of the databases you are using to find sources. What key words/phrases will you use to find your information?

A discerning researcher is selective about sources. Check with your professor for specific source requirements. It is generally best not to rely on Web resources alone for a research paper. Much information on the Internet is not reliable. Anyone with an Internet account can create a Web site. Many scholarly sources are not yet on the Web or are only available to paid members of scholarly organizations. A lot of information in print is also not credible.

Find out if the sources you find are credible. Review guidelines for evaluating text based sources and Web sources. Are the sources sufficiently scholarly or authoritative? Scholarly and authoritative information is written by people who are experts in a particular field of study. Look at the authority/credentials of author/s, their connection to the subject, the credibility of the publication, and the supporting evidence used in the texts.

Can you find enough information, given the kinds of resources you are expected to use?

Is your level of understanding of the subject sufficient to understand and interpret the sources?

Are the sources current? Out of date information is particularly troublesome in rapidly changing areas of study, such as science and technology. Are the sources available? If not, can you order them in the required time frame?

General encyclopedias are not appropriate sources for college level work. However, you may choose to consult them to familiarize yourself with some terminology or background information. Specialized encyclopedias (dealing with specific disciplines) are often good sources to help you find topics. Some examples are: McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, Magill's Survey of Science: Life Science Series, Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology, American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine, The Blackwell encyclopedia of social psychology.

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