Researching the Research Tools: Google or Wikipedia Manifesto
Practice the different steps of research, including asking a research question, narrowing search terms, and refining our approach as we found, evaluated the reliability of, and juxtaposed different types of sources. Along the way, we’ve discussed the research process as uncovering the on-going conversation between authors.Repeat each of these steps, more formally presenting a "conversation" you have found through your work as a student researcher.
Respond to ONE of the following prompts.
1. What are the drawbacks of using Google for your research papers? What alternatives would you propose for new students on the university campus—why? (Note: the alternatives you present should not simply be different search engines.)
2. What are the drawbacks of using Wikipedia for your research papers? What alternatives would you propose for new students on the university campus—why?
3. Some people have been highly critical of both Google’s and Wikipedia’s policies and ways of dealing with information. Choose either Google or Wikipedia and explain why these concerns are or are not worth considering for that online tool. . .
Part 1: an Annotated Bibliography
summarize and evaluate five sources related to the prompt above you have chosen—no more than two of these sources can be a shared reading from class. You must summarize at least one of our shared readings form class.
Find an array of different types of sources. While I require you to include ONE "scholarly" or "peer reviewed" source in your paper, you get to decide what other types of sources you will include. (Remember: not all sources that offer research information are "quality" informants. I recommend finding your other sources in major newspapers and tech magazines.)
1)In paragraph 1 that summarizes the main points of the text; and
2) an evaluation of the reliability and usability of the source. (Ask f all the usually questions here: Who is the author, where is the piece published, in what ways does that matter to you as a researcher trying to build your own ethos?)
Part 2: Your Research Paper
uncover and explain the complexity of the "on-going conversation" on the topic. Do not set out to argue a particular point—e.g. "Google is bad!"—but rather to reflect what different people have to say about Google and the use of Google for research. To do this, consider the positives and negatives your sources reveal to you.
Discuss both the arguments and counterarguments you have uncovered.