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Seminar Central

Mrs. Adams

Seek Knowledge

Research Find • Evaluate • Organize

Strong research is more than collecting information. It means searching with purpose, evaluating evidence carefully, and organizing ideas so that meaningful patterns can emerge.

Research begins with a purpose.

The goal is not to find the largest number of sources. The goal is to find the most useful evidence for understanding your issue, evaluating perspectives, and building a well-reasoned argument.

Finding Sources

Search with purpose.

Use focused keywords, databases, and strategic search methods to locate credible and relevant information.

  • Develop effective search terms
  • Use academic databases
  • Locate varied perspectives
Explore resources

Evaluating Sources

Look beyond the surface.

Examine credibility, relevance, evidence, limitations, bias, and the context in which a source was created.

  • Assess author expertise
  • Examine evidence and reasoning
  • Identify limitations and bias
Explore resources

Organizing Research

Build the conversation.

Record key ideas, track source information, and organize evidence so that connections and tensions become visible.

  • Annotate important ideas
  • Maintain a research log
  • Use a synthesis matrix
Explore resources

Downloads & Research Tools

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Search Strategy Planner

Plan keywords, related terms, search combinations, and databases.

Download Template →

Start Your Search

Use these research tools to locate credible, relevant, and varied sources.

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Mrs. Adams' Tip

Do not keep a source simply because it mentions your topic. Ask what the source contributes to your understanding and whether it earns a place in the conversation.