How to Use Sources

Based on what criteria would you include a source in your bibliography? The main requirement is that the point of view of the author be useful in some way for thinking about your research question. There are various ways that someone might think about your topic, so you don't need to find "for" and "against" opinions. Conversations among intelligent people are not as simple as "for" and "against"; besides, your topic is a question based on personal experience, so you might be more interested in points of view that help you explain your own observations. And one cannot be "for" or "against" a question.

So try to think more in terms of how someone else might respond to your question, not necessarily agree or disagree with a claim. The point of view of the author of a source you include is useful if it helps your reader better think about the question you are raising. But this point of view can be useful on various different levels. This page explains those different levels.

Provides intelligent insights about an issue

• An intelligent insight is one that is both thought provoking and well supported
• The most noteworthy insights are ones that address your research question in surprising, challenging, even indirect ways
• Accumulate multiple insights in order to show where the controversy is

Here is a way to use an insight

State Rep. Roger Williams has recently argued that alcohol sales restrictions on Sunday in Georgia promote economic inequality: “It is unfair for the state to create an uneven playing field where some types of business are allowed to profit from Sunday sales while others are not.” His concern seems to be more practical than moral. If alcohol is legal on every other day of the week, and someone happens to run a store that deals exclusively in alcohol, should his revenue be held back on a day of the week when restaurants are permitted to sell drinks? This point of view elevates the importance of economic fairness over religious considerations.

Clarifies terms using valid definitions

• Definitions inform the reader of standard meanings of terms
• Definitions are useful for discussions about laws, policies, scientific concepts, etc.
• Definitions are not useful for proof of an idea, but they help establish background for a discussion

Here is a way to use a definition:

The attendance policy at Gainesville State College is clearly stated in the catalog: “Attendance at all scheduled classes is expected. The individual instructor's "Absence Policy" is specified on the course syllabus. Questions regarding an instructor's attendance/absence policy should be directed to the instructor.” A potential problem with this policy is that it leaves quite a bit of freedom to instructors to handle attendance however they want. Even the word “expected” is ambiguous.

Illustrates ideas using examples from the real world

• Anecdotes from articles and books ground an abstract idea in reality
• Examples help validate claims that would otherwise be speculative and unfounded
• Examples alone will not validate an insight, but they will make one seem informed

Here is a way to use an example:

One example of using innovative education to curb drunk driving among high school students was reported by Emilie Doolittle: “Every four or five years, Saratoga High School stages a car accident simulating what actually occurs every 15 minutes: Someone dies in an alcohol-related collision in the United States.” This dramatic approach apparently has a profound impact on the way students at that school think about the consequences of irresponsible drinking. . . .

And another way to word the same thing:

Giving an example of innovative education to curb drunk driving among high school students, Emilie Doolittle reported that “every four or five years, Saratoga High School stages a car accident simulating what actually occurs every 15 minutes: Someone dies in an alcohol-related collision in the United States.”

Incorporates hard facts and statistics when needed

• Statistics show trends in large groups of people over time
• Dates, events, names of important individuals and organizations are also facts
• Be careful not to confuse facts with insights or opinions. No one will dispute a fact . . .