One of the ways in which we can improve and refine our research skills and create a detailed set of sources to generate research from, is to ensure that we are finding good quality websites that are reliable, valid, and engaging. At the senior level, we want to be looking for at least! 8-10 good quality sources for something large like a research project.
This way we can cross-reference the information for accuracy, and we can also get different perspectives and points of view. We might find some websites that corroborate or agree with each other, and others that critique and present different viewpoints.
Note **every source will have some degree of bias! The idea of a ‘neutral’ or ‘unbiased’ source is a myth. But, we can practice identifying the bias and viewpoints so that we are aware as we read, and make sure we know which sources are fact-checked and peer-reviewed for accuracy.
How do I find good websites that are different from each other?
Start by looking at the following types of sources to get you started….
- News articles/videos – (BBC, Guardian, CBC, Associated Press, Reuters, PBS) are great starting points. They are news sources that have to have their sources checked for accuracy before they publish.
- Media Sites and Editorials and Youtube Channels – (Vox, VICE, TED-Ed, History Channel, National Geographic, Slate, Minute Geography, ‘In a Nutshell’, Neo, AJ+, NowThis, ) are good places to start and search directly into. However it is important to recognize where the sources and editorials are made, and potential bias.
- Travel websites, journals, blogs, tourism websites
- Websites written by people/the region that you are researching
- Geography/History websites made for education
- Short documentaries and films made about your topic/person
- Scientific or government websites (ex. NASA, Smithsonian, Scientific America, United Nations, etc.)