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Educating the Prince: Starting

To Begin

fact-mind-map It's unlikely you begin your research as an expert on your topic.  Begin by reading the requirements for your assignment carefully.  Check the syllabus and course material for key terms to begin a search.  You can also use Credo Reference, an online reference collection, to get basic information about an unfamiliar topic.  Search engines and Google Scholar may also be helpful in creating a list of keywords and concepts.

Evaluating Information

How do you determine if information is reliable?  One method is to use the 5W1H questions.

  • Who was involved?
  • What happened?
  • When did it take place
  • Where did it happen
  • Why did it happen
  • How did it happen?

A valuable, if dated, book is Guides to straight thinking: with 13 common fallacies, by Stuart Chase.

Une peinture d'Eustache Le Sueur pour le Musee des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg