Means of Research

Means of Research

Try to avoid websites such as Wikipedia, Wiki Answers, Spark Notes, Schmoop and any other sites of this nature.

·       Wikipedia does have some validity but it can be edited by the user.

o   The good thing about Wikipedia is that they do site where they garnered the information from

·       Wiki Answers is also user edited

·       Spark Notes and Schmoop are not be trusted because they cannot copyright the truth but they can copyright untruths 

·       Also stay away from tabloids

o   When using sites like these thoroughly research the information before using it to ensure its validity

Using the Research

Make sure to always cite where the information is from

1.    Make sure to use information relevant to the topic

a.     If it is out of date make sure it is relevant

2.    Have the research ready when asked about it during debate

                                                                                     i.      Handouts, the url at the ready

Relevant Means of Research:

These are some valid resources:

o   Newspaper Articles

o   Library (Local or School)

o   Penn MC Website (Use to your advantage!!!)

§  http://www.pennmc.org/delegates/research.asp

§  House of Reps:  http://www.house.gov

§  Senate: http://www.senate.gov/ 

§  Library of Congress: http://thomas.loc.gov/ 

§  C-Span: http://www.c-span.org/ 

§  The Hill Newspaper: http://www.thehill.com/ 

§  Brookings Institute: http://www.brookings.edu/ 

§  The Economist: http://www.economist.com/ 

§  Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/

§  NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/ 

§  CNN: http://www.cnn.com/

§  BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/

§  Any Major News websites: NBC, Yahoo, Google, Fox, ABC, MSNBC, Science News

§  Encyclopedias

To keep track of all sources use the MLA format of sourcing it’s easier. Use Easy Bib: http://www.easybib.com/