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Reference sources are a great place to start your research. Understanding how to use these sources helps you start your research off right and prevents you from getting overwhelmed in a new topic.
A reference source is a source that has compiled information from primary and secondary sources into one, easily digestible volume of information on a topic, event, person, or idea. These sources are usually identified by the keywords 'encyclopedia' or 'dictionary'.
Reference sources are the perfect starting point in your research, especially if you are new to a topic or field. Reference sources provide a broad overview of a topic, which will usually include background information, important concepts and people, and any current (from the time of publication) discussions within the field. There won't be a lot (if any) outside references in a reference source (as compared to a scholarly journal article) but the included references are usually pivotal sources on a topic and should be reviewed.
Tip: Scan reference sources to find names and terms you can later use for search terms.
Warning: It is rare to cite a reference source in your final research because the information is too broad, this is a starting point to your research and not the final step. When in doubt, check with your professor to see if you should cite a reference material in your final paper.
There are a couple of ways to find reference sources on your topic in the library. This section will review two: limiting your results with the library catalog and searching a reference database.
Can I Use Wikipedia?
Sort of. When used with caution, Wikipedia can be a good starting point for your research.
HOWEVER, anyone can create information on Wikipedia and it is almost impossible to check the credibility of the contributor. As such, Wikipedia is NOT a scholarly source to cite in your research paper. Instead, use Wikipedia as a starting point to become familiar with a topic, brainstorm topic ideas, and find search terms for your library searches but you must verify the information elsewhere.
| Type of Authority | PROS | CONS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free. | No cons. Free is good. |
| Authorship | Anyone with internet access can post. This allows for a wide array of perspectives and authority from outside of academia to voice their experiences. | Anyone with internet access can post. This means that articles are often "vandalized" as a hoax or include dangerous misinformation |
| Currency (Timeliness) | Constantly updated (scholarly reference sources are either published annually or are a one time publication). | Because articles can be updated so quickly, it is impossible for everything to be checked and reviewed before being published online. This is especially true of controversial or "breaking news" events that are published. |
| Uses | Great place to start your research, explore your topic, discover background information and search terms to further explore with scholarly sources. | Wikipedia is not a scholarly source and should not be cited in your academic research. Everything you find on Wikipedia must be verified in a credible source before submitting your assignment. |
| Citations and References | Articles often include citations and additional readings, which allow you to continue your research. | The citations on Wikipedia can be fake or incorrect, so you cannot take them at face value or assume that because there are references that the information is credible. Verify everything. |
| Credibility | Articles often include citations and additional readings, which allow you to continue your research. | The citations on Wikipedia can be fake or incorrect, so you cannot take them at face value or assume that because there are references that the information is credible. Verify everything |
A reference source is a source that has compiled information from primary and secondary sources into one, easily digestible volume of information on a topic, event, person, or idea. These sources are usually identified by the keywords 'encyclopedia' or 'dictionary'.
Reference sources are a great place to start your research by gathering important background information on your topic.
Watch this 1:19 video to learn about reference sources and the important step of background research during the research process.
Video Credit: “Background Research” by Steely Library NKU
Watch this 2:42 video to learn how and when reference sources should be used.
Video Credit: "5 Reasons to Use Reference Sources" by the University of Guelph McLaughlin Library
Wikipedia is the largest (and likely most familiar) reference work in the world.
Watch this 3:36 video to learn how to use and how not to use Wikipedia as a reference source in your research.
Video Credit: "Using Wikipedia for Academic Research” by Clipinfolit