Research instruction demonstrates how to locate and evaluate sources for a research paper or project. With your PLNU writing class, you will learn to locate relevant books, full-text articles, and useful internet sites.
This guide is only an introduction. Seek help from the PLNU librarians when you need it.
Complete the Library Research Assignment in Google Doc (link opens in Canvas), then hit the blue Submit button. If you have any questions, please email a librarian at rlang@pointloma.edu or jsweeney@pointloma.edu.
You MUST use the Chrome browser to access the assignment. Be sure you're signed into your PLNU Google account.
Make sure you review the rubric prior to submitting the assignment.
Ask questions as they arise; your librarians are here to help!
Before you begin your research, you should:
Here are some examples:
| Type of information | Where to find it |
| News |
|
| Information about a specific organization/company |
|
| Research article |
|
| Personal accounts |
|
| Statistics |
|
| History, overview, definitions (scholarly) |
|
| History, overview (popular) |
|
Choosing and refining a topic is an important part of the research process. One valuable path for exploring debatable current topics is our Credo Reference database, which includes resources like ProCon Headlines and Issues and Controversies in addition to more than 700 specialized encyclopedias. Keep in mind that your topic may need to fit specific criteria assigned by your professor.
Within Credo, we recommend the following: