What Are Some Practical Suggestions That Would Help an Author

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The Answer is One: Select appropriate databases. As powerful as it is, do not limit searches to Google. Use the subject matter-oriented databases in the campus library. Two: Search for source material before finalizing the thesis. One mark of a strong critical thinker is the realization that everyone has their point of view, including the investigator. To avoid biased searches, strong critical thinkers intentionally discipline themselves to hold off taking sides or formulating their thesis until after the research is completed. Three:
Be your own best critic. Once you have taken a tentative position on an issue, discipline yourself to search for relevant counterevidence to that position. It will either strengthen your case to be able to account for the counterevidence, or lead you to reconsider, which is what maturity of judgment and strong critical thinking would require. Four: It is better to list several good sources than to list every possible document that might remotely apply. Refine your search to produce a manageable number of sources. Narrow your keywords, define your audience, limit the time frame to only the past few years, seek sources that give even-handed overviews, or that are fundamental or seminal works. Five: Evaluate the credibility of the sources. Find out who the author is, what the basis is for the claims being made, who manages the Web site where those claims are posted. Check the credentials of all proponents and opponents, evaluate the methods used in the source materials, establish that the material is authentic, reliable, and based on facts rather than a clever hoax.

What Are Some Practical Suggestions That Would Help an Author

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