Sociology and Criminal Justice Tutorial

Evaluate Sources

• Authors' names and affiliations are displayed. (Where there is no personal author, note the agency or corporation issuing the report.)
• The information is accurate and conclusions are supported by evidence.
• The authors acknowledge the research and ideas of others.
• The information addresses one or more aspects of your topic.
• An open web source reflects no obvious political or social bias (unless you are studying media bias).
• You have gathered a variety of sources (books, book reviews, articles, data or statistics, and web sites).

• Read to the end (way beyond the abstract!) and make notes on what you learn.
• Use your math skills to decide whether numerical data support the narrative.
• Highlight or transcribe exact quotes and ideas that you want to paraphrase.
• Record a full citation for each source, and page numbers for each "in text" (parenthetical) reference.
• Include your own thoughts and perspectives on the source, keeping in mind that at least 70% of your paper should consist of your own ideas, and no more than 10 - 30% direct quotes or paraphrased statements from external sources.
• As you begin to write, weave your sources into a coherent narrative with comments and effective transitions in your own words.
• Take care to cite all sources quoted in or supporting your narrative. This will allow your readers to consult the same information you found helpful. (See the "Easy Cite Tutorial for details.)

For assistance with research sources and organization, contact the Library Reference Desk (791-5692, 800-543-9440, aclib@averett.edu). For help in planning and writing your paper, contact your professor or the Averett Writing Center. 

• evidence of research and organization,
• logical development of a topic,
• a presentation that is interesting and informative.

As you select sources most pertinent to the topic of your presentation, read them to the end and create an outline of your narrative. Rehearse your oral presentation with classmates until you are satisfied that you have a coherent narrative and can answer audience questions about your topic and sources. Your audience will appreciate a handout with an abstract and list of sources. (Speakers often share their slides electronically following a presentation.)

Your study group can reserve the small (307) or large media room (102) in Blount Library to rehearse presentation skills. Contact a librarian (1-5692, aclib@averett.edu) to make a reservation, or ask for a wireless keyboard when you visit the library.

What is a Research Article?

In a research article, scholars define a problem, offer a literature review (overview of previous research), report the methodology and results of a specific research effort, discuss implications of the results, and offer recommendations for further study.

What is a Review Article?

A review article presents a broad overview of current research on a problem-- a "state of the art" summary. Review articles can help you understand the context of a research effort and become familiar with important scholars in the field. They also provide valuable references to specific research reports.

Doctoral dissertations are sometimes cited. They are usually too specialized for undergraduate research, though graduate students may find them useful. Most of the dissertations authorized for public access (excluding proprietary information) are now available in:

If you cannot find a cited dissertation, contact a library (aclib@averett.eduaclib@averett.edu)

If your research relies on statistical reports, verify that the survey questions and populations surveyed are pertinent to your topic and cover a relevant time period. Ask yourself whether there is a logical connection between the data and your topic. Then ask your professor or study group for support with statistical analysis.