COMM 4326 REsearch Questions
Google Scholar
This will search for scholarly articles. If the library does subscribe or have paid access to them, then you will get access to what you find through Google Scholar.
This only works if you are on Campus! If you are off campus the best way to search Google Scholar is from our link to it. Or you can find a link to it on the list of 'G' databases.
Google Web Search
Be sure to read the Evaluating Web Pages to the right before using regular Google to search for sources or better yet don't use it at all! Use the Library Research Databases or Library Catalog for trustworthy scholarly sources. That's why you are here at Texas State University, right? To become experts at research. :)
Evaluating Web Pages
CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATING A WEB PAGE:
* Identify the author and the author's expertise on the topic.
* Verify the facts, statistics, or quotes on the web page in another source.
* Identify the agenda of the page: are they selling something or promoting a point-of-view that benefits them?
* Check to see when the page was last updated. If you can't find a date, consider using a different source.
DO THE ABOVE BECAUSE:
* Most people don't know what they are talking about.
* Many people will make up facts, misrepresent facts, or leave out facts in order to support their position.
* People will tell you anything if money or power is somehow involved.
AND IN THE END:
* Learn to think for yourself and do not rely on gathering other people's opinions posted on the internet.
