I research using a variety of different search engines, websites, and the University Library. I find that the most reliable sources are peer-reviewed journals, papers, and articles. The University Library is an excellent source of peer-reviewed material; however, I have found that Google offers the ability to search for peer-reviewed articles and it is more user-friendly, but this may be because I am more familiar with Google.

Another aspect that I look for when searching for a credible source is the date of publication. I have found that documents that are more recent often include more timely and relevant material on which to base my research. Additionally, it is important to be able to identify biased sources. Often sources may seem unbiased, but upon closer examination of the organization, author, or website one may find that the author is affiliated with a group or entity that is clearly biased about a specific subject. To help me determine the hidden agenda or bias of the author, I will usually research the site. Most sites will include an About Us section, which can be very telling. Additionally, I can also to a WHOIS search to determine who registered the domain and when; this information helps me determine the credibility of the information. I attempt to stay away from Wiki’s and similar collaborative sites as the information can be changed by anyone, regardless of whether it is accurate or not. Primarily, I will use the University Library for most of my research, as it will save me time by not having to investigate websites to use as references in my research.