Post Three: Reading Critically and Evaluating Sources

In "The Bedford Researcher," the author addresses the importance of choosing research materials in terms of their relevance, comprehensiveness and timeliness. Palmquist also states that we should strive to choose works that are written by reputable authors (those who are educated and have some type of expertise in the field) and published by companies with a history of being unbiased. For the most part, these are suggestions that have already been discussed in class.

The author also presents an outline to help students learn to read more critically. He believes that research should be tackled in an active manner (by identifying and noting main points, questioning what the author has had to say, and by comparing what they have said to the opinions of other's in the field). Palmquist maintains that by developing a preliminary thesis statement, the individual can use it to guide them through the research process.