How to Gather Secondary Resources for Your Research Paper: Guide - 2022
Secondary sources include books, journals, articles, research essays, and online sources. You can find them online, or in your local public library.
When we refer to secondary sources, we usually mean published research on a topic, instead of supplemental material such as bibliographies, encyclopedias, or handbooks. These extra resources are considered supplementary sources in certain cases, but not all of the time.
A secondary source is analytical and interpretative. It may give a novel interpretation of previously examined historical events and sources, or it may offer an analysis of previously unknown or unwritten events and sources. Additionally, a secondary source may combine the research of other researchers to offer a whole new point of view. You will utilize secondary sources to ascertain the dominant currents of opinion on your subject and to address questions such as the following:
- Which historians have delved into this subject?
- What were their primary points of contention?
- How have historians' perceptions of the subject evolved throughout time?
Secondary literature may be found in the catalog in two ways: either search the catalog for books related to your subject or search the databases for articles on your subject. To discover peer-reviewed papers written by historians, the most essential databases to consult are US: History and Life, which includes the heritage of North America since 1450; and Historic Archives, which encompasses the rest of the globe since 1450.
Additionally, you can reference published standard bibliographies, such as the American Historical Association's Handbook to Historic Literature, or specialist bibliographies, such as one on medieval warfare. It is possible that you may discover further elaboration on the issue published as chapters in books, in academic journals, or as separate monographs.
You can learn about the subject by reading an encyclopedia entry on the subject and consulting the references at the conclusion of the entry. A good essay writer can locate a significant book of study on the subject and conduct further research into the author's sources. The majority of the time, you may locate the necessary secondary literature by utilizing:
- the catalog is accessible online
- the corresponding article databases
- encyclopedias of certain subjects
- bibliographies
- the assistance of your teacher.
Keep note of all the resources you consult. At some time, you will wish to include them in your bibliography, so you must have an updated record of them.
Once you've located many reliable sources that can provide helpful information about your issue, go on to the sources cited in your research paper. This will help you in locating more credible secondary sources. Whenever I write my essay, I always look at the references of the found resources. The references list gives me more resources for my topic. In general, the more closely related material is to the subject being studied, the better source it is.
If you are researching Abraham Lincoln, attempt to track down any of the letters he penned. Maybe you could discover interviews with individuals closest to him and use those as a basis for your own interview story. Journal writings are also excellent sources of information.
If you are researching something more contemporary, you may be able to locate video and audio interviews with prominent figures in your field. If you are researching somebody who is still alive, you might be able to conduct your interview.
Consider how unusual your research report resources would appear if you had an in-depth interview with a senior government official or a family member of someone you are writing about. Utilize your imagination here. The more distinctive your sources are and the more inventive you are in acquiring them, the more distinctive your research will be.
Asking your librarian for help is the best first step in researching an intriguing and original source for your article. You can also consult with an essay writing service for a more comprehensive understanding of secondary sources.
You will utilize a varied number of sources depending on the length of your article. However, the objective is to rely on the most credible sources possible.
Whom would you visit if you wanted to learn about gums, for example - a doctor or a basketball player? The doctor; Because the doctor has greater expertise with teeth and has researched them too.
However, if you are looking for a person to write my essay, who would you ask - topic? This is an instance when the person with the most knowledge on the issue is consulted - here, the basketball player.
Thus, how can you determine which sources are the most reliable? Attempt to locate the resources that have been mentioned the most frequently by other sources. This will need some study, but when you examine numerous sites, you should see a trend of referrals. Adhere to that pattern.
Google Scholar is another place to look. This tool will inform you of the number of times each of your research paper's sources has been referenced. Utilize the most cited sources.
Also, keeping track of the resources that you are planning to use is very essential. I recommend using some online tools like Zotero and Endnote. They make it easier for you to record all the resources in one place. Personally, I have always used Zotero as it is quite user-friendly.
I hope this article helps you in understanding how to gather secondary resources for your research paper. If you are still confused you can also consult a professional essay writer online.
Best of Luck!
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