Posted: September 6th, 2023

Research through the Little Memorial Library and/or through Midway’s Online Research Resources

Instruction
Step 1- Find one (1) Credible Sources on your Argumentative Synthesis Essay by conducting research through the Little Memorial Library and/or through Midway’s Online Research Resources. Step 2- Create an Annotated Bibliography using your credible sources. (You will not be required to use these in your final paper, if your paper changes directions as you begin writing.) Refer to the Sample Annotated Bibliography provided in class and under Modules in Canvas as a guide for crafting your own Annotated Bibliography. Be sure to apply the C.R.A.A.P. Test to your prospective sources: Currency: the timeliness of the information When was the information published or posted? Has the information been revised or updated? Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic? Are the links functional? Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Who is the intended audience? Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)? Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining if this is one you will use? Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper? Authority: the source of the information Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? Are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations given? What are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations given? What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic? Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address? Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com (commercial), .edu (educational), .gov (U.S. government), org (nonprofit organization), or .net (network) Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content, and Where does the information come from? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been reviewed or refereed? Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge? Does the language or tone seem biased and free of emotion? Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors? Purpose: the reason the information exists What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade? Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear? Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?
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A general template for an annotated bibliography entry:

Citation: Provide the full bibliographic information for the source using the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

Summary: Summarize the main ideas and arguments presented in the source, highlighting key evidence or examples.

Evaluation: Assess the credibility and relevance of the source using the C.R.A.A.P. test or other criteria. Explain why the source is or is not a useful or reliable source for your argumentative synthesis essay.

Reflection: Reflect on how the source contributes to your understanding of your topic, and how it might be used in your essay (if at all).

Here’s an example of an annotated bibliography entry using this template:

Citation:
Smith, J. (2019). The effects of social media on adolescent mental health. Journal of Adolescent Psychology, 32(3), 45-60.

Summary:
In this article, Smith reviews recent research on the impact of social media use on adolescent mental health. The author argues that while social media can have some positive effects on self-esteem and social connection, it can also lead to increased anxiety, depression, and social comparison. The article presents evidence from several studies that support these claims, including surveys and longitudinal studies.

Evaluation:
This source is credible because it was published in a peer-reviewed academic journal and cites a range of empirical studies to support its claims. The author is a recognized expert in the field of adolescent psychology and has published several articles on the topic. However, the article is somewhat dated (published in 2019), so it may not be the most current or up-to-date source on this topic.

Reflection:
This source provides useful insights into the potential risks and benefits of social media use among adolescents, which is a key topic in my argumentative synthesis essay. I may use some of the evidence and arguments presented in this article to support my claims about the impact of social media on mental health. However, I will need to find more recent sources to ensure that my essay is based on the most current research.