How to Research: A Tutorial

When to use websites

Answer the following questions about when to use Internet sources:

1. I should use the Internet to find very current information about a topic. True False
   True: “We agree! When you want the most current information about a topic that changes over time, try finding a reliable website that is regularly kept up-to-date.”
   False: “Are you sure? If you want the most current information about most topics, a website that is accurate and regularly updated may be the right kind of source to use.”
2. I should use the Internet to find out about historical events or people from the past. True False
   True: “Are you sure? Sometimes you can find good websites about historical events, but be sure the website is from a very reliable organization. For historical people and topics, you may find better information in a book that has been well researched.”
   False: “We agree! Although there may be some good websites about historical events, books are often better sources to find well researched information about historical people and topics.”
3. I should use the Internet to find current statistics. True False
   True: “We agree! The Internet offers many websites from reliable sources with current, accurate statistics about a variety of topics. Be sure the website is published by a reliable institution, organization, or government agency. Also, make sure the website is updated regularly so you know the statistics are accurate.”
   False: “Are you sure? Books and articles can be used to find statistics on many topics. However, a website that is kept up-to-date and published by a reliable institution, organization, or government agency can often provide the most current statistics on a variety of topics.”
4. I should use the Internet to find images. True False
   True: “We agree! Many excellent collections of photographs, art, and other images have been digitized and are available online. However, you must be aware of the website’s copyright restrictions and give credit to the website for any image you may use in your research.”
   False: “Are you sure? There are many excellent print sources for images, but there are also many excellent collections of photographs, art, and other images that have been digitized and made available online. Just make sure you are aware of the website’s copyright restrictions and give credit to the website for any image you may use in your research.”
5. I should use the Internet if I need information related to the government, or a company or organization. True False
   True: “We agree! Municipal, state, and federal government websites typically have the most current, accurate information about policies, procedures, and contacts. The website for a company or organization will be the best place to find directory and general information.
   False: “Are you sure? Municipal, state, and federal government websites typically have the most current, accurate information about policies, procedures, and contacts. The website for a company or organization will be the best place to find directory and general information.”
6. I should use the Internet if my professor did not specify what kind of sources to use. True False
   True: “Are you sure? Even if your professor does not specify to use books or articles, these sources can provide you with information that is not available online. Always try to find a variety of sources for your research, instead of relying only on websites.”
   False: “We agree! While it may seem easy to use all website sources, books and articles can provide you with information that is not available online. Always try to find a variety of sources for your research, instead of relying only on websites.”
7. I should use the Internet if I have to do my research from home. True False
   True: “Are you sure? All of the library’s databases are available for students to use off-campus. You can still find reliable newspaper, magazine, and scholarly journal articles by using the databases from home. Even if it’s 2am the night before your paper is due, you do not have to rely on only Internet sources.”
   False: “We agree! From off-campus, students can still access the library’s databases for magazine, newspaper, and scholarly journal articles. Even if it’s 2am the night before your paper is due, you do not have to rely on only Internet sources.”