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Research Strategies
Listed below is general information on research strategies and research etiquette.
- Citing Correctly and Avoiding PlagiarismGuide on how to avoid plagiarism and how to cite correctly using various citing styles.
- Comparing Sources: Scholarly, Professional, Trade, and PopularThis guide will help you evaluate articles and determine whether they are scholarly, professional, trade, or popular.
- Evaluating InformationCriteria for evaluating the credibility of information, especially web sites.
- RefWorks This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
- What does RefWorks do? RefWorks is a web-based citation manager. Import citations from databases to create your own personal collection. Automatically format your papers and bibliographies in any of almost 150 formats (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, CBE, etc.).
- Library Research Tips and TricksGuide on optimizing various web tools for doing library research. Many of these techniques can be customized for use with the URI Library's resources.
Reference Sources
Encyclopedia of Political Theory by Call Number: Ref. JA61 E515 2010ISBN: 1412958652Publication Date: 2010General information on political theory, concepts,and theorists both past and present. Also covers current social issues where political theory may be applied. Each entry includes a "Further Readings" section.
Reference sources are also a good place to start your research. They provide an overview of your topic and offer lists of sources to go for more information. Listed below are a few reference sources that may be helpful for getting started with your assignment.
Encyclopedia of Political Science by Call Number: Ref. JA61 E513 2011ISBN: 1933116447Publication Date: 2011Encyclopedia covering all aspects of the study of political science. Many entries include a bibliography. Index by subject.
Routledge Dictionary of Twentieth Century Political Thinkers by Call Number: Ref. JA83 R725 1992ISBN: 0415043719Publication Date: 1992Covers political science theories and their creators living in the twentieth century. Arranged alphabetically by individual name. Each entry describes the philosophy of his or her work and it also includes a list of their written works plus sources for further research. Though several years old, this is a good source for getting a quick overview on most modern political theorists.
