LitWiki - User contributions [en]

What are good sources to cite?

2013-07-18T21:00:27Z

Lizzylynnbass: /* Recognize Good sources */

== Recognize Good sources ==
Using proper sources builds and audience's trust in a writer. They allow readers to verify what an author has to say and delve more deeply into the topic. Incorrectly cited or untrustworthy sources can cause readers to question the validity of your claims.

'''Sources to Avoid'''<ref>Fleming, Grace. ''5 Bad Sources''. About.com, 2013</ref><br />
Two hallmarks of a bad source are unreliable authors and unverifiable credentials. Their content is often driven by the average internet user and cannot be trusted. Some examples of such pages are ''Blogs, Personal Websites,'' and ''Wikipedia''.
<br />
There are many websites and tools out there that help writers create good citations. Indiana University has published a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM4Abds7I6k YouTube video] that helps writers identify good sources. Correctly formatting your citations is also essential in creating good citations. Many students enjoy using [http://easybib.com/ EasyBib], a tool that formats sources into MLA style for free.

== Peer-Reviewed Articles==
A peer-reviewed article is one that is "read by subject experts (peers of the author) before they are published in a journal."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>
<br />
<br />
Many library databases allow researchers to filter search results so they include only peer reviewed articles. Most Academic Journals are peer-reviewed, but to be certain you can "examine the "Instructions to Authors page" that most journals provide to assess if the submission process involves reviewers or referees (people who refer authors as credible)."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>

== Scholarly Articles ==
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether a source is "scholarly" but there are a questions to ask that can help determine a website's academic worth.
<br />
'''How to Identify a Scholarly Source'''<ref>UCF Library, ''What is a Scholarly Source''. University of Central Florida, 2013</ref>

* Is it published by a Scholarly Association or society, or a university, or recognized scholarly publisher?
* Are articles reviewed in some way?
* Are the articles written for an academic audience or a popular audience?
* Are the citations clear and abundant?
*Is it published by a university press or other academic publisher?
*Is it a textbook? If it is written for classroom use, it is not a scholastic source. It is intended as a learning tool, but the textbook references can help you find other sources.

== Using Wikipedia ==
Students everywhere love to look to Wikipedia for answers. This is all well and good, but can Wikipedia be an appropriate source? There are many different policies on this and writers should always check with their supervisor before relying on Wikipedia. One thing that Wikipedia can give everyone is a jumping off point. Most wiki articles have many sources and writers can check out their sources and adopt them into their paper. It also allows authors to quickly gain a basic understanding of the subject they are writing on if they are unfamiliar with it.
<br />
Using Wikipedia as a source is a very controversial topic because it is able to be edited by anyone. The site has many fail-safes to keep errors to a minimum and usually succeeds. There is, however, no guarantee that when you go to the "American Civil War" wiki page you won't read that the south won and then proceeded to destroy Venus.<ref>Raphael, JR, ''The 15 Biggest Wikipedia Blunders''. PC World, 2008</ref>

== Sources ==
<references/>

What are good sources to cite?

2013-07-18T20:56:31Z

Lizzylynnbass: /* Using Wikipedia */

== Recognize Good sources ==
Using proper sources builds and audience's trust in a writer. They allow readers to verify what an author has to say and delve more deeply into the topic. Incorrectly cited or untrustworthy sources can cause readers to question the validity of your claims.

'''Sources to Avoid'''<ref>Fleming, Grace. ''5 Bad Sources''. About.com, 2013</ref><br />
Two hallmarks of a bad source are unreliable authors and unverifiable credentials. Their content is often driven by the average internet user and cannot be trusted. Some examples of such pages are ''Blogs, Personal Websites,'' and ''Wikipedia''.
<br />
There are many websites and tools out there that help writers create good citations. Many students enjoy using [http://easybib.com/ EasyBib], a tool for formatting sources into MLA style for free. Indiana University has also published a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM4Abds7I6k YouTube video] that helps writers identify good sources.

== Peer-Reviewed Articles==
A peer-reviewed article is one that is "read by subject experts (peers of the author) before they are published in a journal."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>
<br />
<br />
Many library databases allow researchers to filter search results so they include only peer reviewed articles. Most Academic Journals are peer-reviewed, but to be certain you can "examine the "Instructions to Authors page" that most journals provide to assess if the submission process involves reviewers or referees (people who refer authors as credible)."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>

== Scholarly Articles ==
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether a source is "scholarly" but there are a questions to ask that can help determine a website's academic worth.
<br />
'''How to Identify a Scholarly Source'''<ref>UCF Library, ''What is a Scholarly Source''. University of Central Florida, 2013</ref>

* Is it published by a Scholarly Association or society, or a university, or recognized scholarly publisher?
* Are articles reviewed in some way?
* Are the articles written for an academic audience or a popular audience?
* Are the citations clear and abundant?
*Is it published by a university press or other academic publisher?
*Is it a textbook? If it is written for classroom use, it is not a scholastic source. It is intended as a learning tool, but the textbook references can help you find other sources.

== Using Wikipedia ==
Students everywhere love to look to Wikipedia for answers. This is all well and good, but can Wikipedia be an appropriate source? There are many different policies on this and writers should always check with their supervisor before relying on Wikipedia. One thing that Wikipedia can give everyone is a jumping off point. Most wiki articles have many sources and writers can check out their sources and adopt them into their paper. It also allows authors to quickly gain a basic understanding of the subject they are writing on if they are unfamiliar with it.
<br />
Using Wikipedia as a source is a very controversial topic because it is able to be edited by anyone. The site has many fail-safes to keep errors to a minimum and usually succeeds. There is, however, no guarantee that when you go to the "American Civil War" wiki page you won't read that the south won and then proceeded to destroy Venus.<ref>Raphael, JR, ''The 15 Biggest Wikipedia Blunders''. PC World, 2008</ref>

== Sources ==
<references/>

What are good sources to cite?

2013-07-18T20:55:50Z

Lizzylynnbass: /* Scholarly Articles */

== Recognize Good sources ==
Using proper sources builds and audience's trust in a writer. They allow readers to verify what an author has to say and delve more deeply into the topic. Incorrectly cited or untrustworthy sources can cause readers to question the validity of your claims.

'''Sources to Avoid'''<ref>Fleming, Grace. ''5 Bad Sources''. About.com, 2013</ref><br />
Two hallmarks of a bad source are unreliable authors and unverifiable credentials. Their content is often driven by the average internet user and cannot be trusted. Some examples of such pages are ''Blogs, Personal Websites,'' and ''Wikipedia''.
<br />
There are many websites and tools out there that help writers create good citations. Many students enjoy using [http://easybib.com/ EasyBib], a tool for formatting sources into MLA style for free. Indiana University has also published a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM4Abds7I6k YouTube video] that helps writers identify good sources.

== Peer-Reviewed Articles==
A peer-reviewed article is one that is "read by subject experts (peers of the author) before they are published in a journal."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>
<br />
<br />
Many library databases allow researchers to filter search results so they include only peer reviewed articles. Most Academic Journals are peer-reviewed, but to be certain you can "examine the "Instructions to Authors page" that most journals provide to assess if the submission process involves reviewers or referees (people who refer authors as credible)."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>

== Scholarly Articles ==
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether a source is "scholarly" but there are a questions to ask that can help determine a website's academic worth.
<br />
'''How to Identify a Scholarly Source'''<ref>UCF Library, ''What is a Scholarly Source''. University of Central Florida, 2013</ref>

* Is it published by a Scholarly Association or society, or a university, or recognized scholarly publisher?
* Are articles reviewed in some way?
* Are the articles written for an academic audience or a popular audience?
* Are the citations clear and abundant?
*Is it published by a university press or other academic publisher?
*Is it a textbook? If it is written for classroom use, it is not a scholastic source. It is intended as a learning tool, but the textbook references can help you find other sources.

== Using Wikipedia ==
Students everywhere love to look to Wikipedia for answers. This is all well and good, but can Wikipedia be an appropriate source? There are many different policies on this and writers should always check with their supervisor before relying on Wikipedia. One thing that Wikipedia can give everyone is a jumping off point. Most wiki articles have many sources and writers can check out their sources and adopt them into their paper. It also allows authors to quickly gain a basic understanding of the subject they are writing on, if they are unfamiliar with it.
<br />
Using Wikipedia as a source is a very controversial topic because it is able to be edited by anyone. The site has many fail-safes to keep errors to a minimum and usually succeeds. There is, however, no guarantee that when you go to the "American Civil War" wiki page you won't read that the south won and then proceeded to destroy Venus.<ref>Raphael, JR, ''The 15 Biggest Wikipedia Blunders''. PC World, 2008</ref>

== Sources ==
<references/>

What are good sources to cite?

2013-07-18T20:53:50Z

Lizzylynnbass: /* Peer-Reviewed Articles */

== Recognize Good sources ==
Using proper sources builds and audience's trust in a writer. They allow readers to verify what an author has to say and delve more deeply into the topic. Incorrectly cited or untrustworthy sources can cause readers to question the validity of your claims.

'''Sources to Avoid'''<ref>Fleming, Grace. ''5 Bad Sources''. About.com, 2013</ref><br />
Two hallmarks of a bad source are unreliable authors and unverifiable credentials. Their content is often driven by the average internet user and cannot be trusted. Some examples of such pages are ''Blogs, Personal Websites,'' and ''Wikipedia''.
<br />
There are many websites and tools out there that help writers create good citations. Many students enjoy using [http://easybib.com/ EasyBib], a tool for formatting sources into MLA style for free. Indiana University has also published a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM4Abds7I6k YouTube video] that helps writers identify good sources.

== Peer-Reviewed Articles==
A peer-reviewed article is one that is "read by subject experts (peers of the author) before they are published in a journal."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>
<br />
<br />
Many library databases allow researchers to filter search results so they include only peer reviewed articles. Most Academic Journals are peer-reviewed, but to be certain you can "examine the "Instructions to Authors page" that most journals provide to assess if the submission process involves reviewers or referees (people who refer authors as credible)."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>

== Scholarly Articles ==
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine when a source is "scholarly" but there are a few steps to take that can help determine a website's academic worth.
<br />
'''How to Identify a Scholarly Source'''<ref>UCF Library, ''What is a Scholarly Source''. University of Central Florida, 2013</ref>

* It is published by a Scholarly Association or society, or a university, or recognized scholarly publisher?
* Are articles reviewed in some way?
* Are the articles written for an academic audience or a popular audience?
* Are the citations clear and abundant?
*It is published by a university press or other academic publisher?
*Is it a textbook? If it is written for classroom use, it is not a scholastic source. It is intended as a learning tool, but the textbook references can help you find other sources.

== Using Wikipedia ==
Students everywhere love to look to Wikipedia for answers. This is all well and good, but can Wikipedia be an appropriate source? There are many different policies on this and writers should always check with their supervisor before relying on Wikipedia. One thing that Wikipedia can give everyone is a jumping off point. Most wiki articles have many sources and writers can check out their sources and adopt them into their paper. It also allows authors to quickly gain a basic understanding of the subject they are writing on, if they are unfamiliar with it.
<br />
Using Wikipedia as a source is a very controversial topic because it is able to be edited by anyone. The site has many fail-safes to keep errors to a minimum and usually succeeds. There is, however, no guarantee that when you go to the "American Civil War" wiki page you won't read that the south won and then proceeded to destroy Venus.<ref>Raphael, JR, ''The 15 Biggest Wikipedia Blunders''. PC World, 2008</ref>

== Sources ==
<references/>

What are good sources to cite?

2013-07-18T20:52:20Z

Lizzylynnbass: /* Importance of using good sources */

== Recognize Good sources ==
Using proper sources builds and audience's trust in a writer. They allow readers to verify what an author has to say and delve more deeply into the topic. Incorrectly cited or untrustworthy sources can cause readers to question the validity of your claims.

'''Sources to Avoid'''<ref>Fleming, Grace. ''5 Bad Sources''. About.com, 2013</ref><br />
Two hallmarks of a bad source are unreliable authors and unverifiable credentials. Their content is often driven by the average internet user and cannot be trusted. Some examples of such pages are ''Blogs, Personal Websites,'' and ''Wikipedia''.
<br />
There are many websites and tools out there that help writers create good citations. Many students enjoy using [http://easybib.com/ EasyBib], a tool for formatting sources into MLA style for free. Indiana University has also published a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM4Abds7I6k YouTube video] that helps writers identify good sources.

== Peer-Reviewed Articles==
A peer-reviewed article is one that is "read by subject experts ("peers" of the author) before they are published in a journal."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>
<br />
<br />
Many library databases allow you to filter search results to include only peer reviewed articles. Most Academic Journals are peer-reviewed, but to be certain you can "examine the Instructions to Authors page that most journals provide to assess if the submission process involves reviewers or referees."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>

== Scholarly Articles ==
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine when a source is "scholarly" but there are a few steps to take that can help determine a website's academic worth.
<br />
'''How to Identify a Scholarly Source'''<ref>UCF Library, ''What is a Scholarly Source''. University of Central Florida, 2013</ref>

* It is published by a Scholarly Association or society, or a university, or recognized scholarly publisher?
* Are articles reviewed in some way?
* Are the articles written for an academic audience or a popular audience?
* Are the citations clear and abundant?
*It is published by a university press or other academic publisher?
*Is it a textbook? If it is written for classroom use, it is not a scholastic source. It is intended as a learning tool, but the textbook references can help you find other sources.

== Using Wikipedia ==
Students everywhere love to look to Wikipedia for answers. This is all well and good, but can Wikipedia be an appropriate source? There are many different policies on this and writers should always check with their supervisor before relying on Wikipedia. One thing that Wikipedia can give everyone is a jumping off point. Most wiki articles have many sources and writers can check out their sources and adopt them into their paper. It also allows authors to quickly gain a basic understanding of the subject they are writing on, if they are unfamiliar with it.
<br />
Using Wikipedia as a source is a very controversial topic because it is able to be edited by anyone. The site has many fail-safes to keep errors to a minimum and usually succeeds. There is, however, no guarantee that when you go to the "American Civil War" wiki page you won't read that the south won and then proceeded to destroy Venus.<ref>Raphael, JR, ''The 15 Biggest Wikipedia Blunders''. PC World, 2008</ref>

== Sources ==
<references/>

What are good sources to cite?

2013-07-18T20:41:05Z

Lizzylynnbass: /* Importance of using good sources */

== Importance of using good sources ==
Using proper sources builds audience trust in a reader. They allow readers to verify what an author has to say and delve more deeply into the topic with ease. Incorrectly cited or untrustworthy sources cause readers to question the validity of your claims.

'''Sources to Avoid'''<ref>Fleming, Grace. ''5 Bad Sources''. About.com, 2013</ref><br />
The hallmarks of a bad source are unreliable authors with unverifiable credentials. Their content is often driven by the average internet user and cannot be trusted. Some examples of such pages are ''Blogs, Personal Websites,'' and ''Wikipedia''.
<br />
There are many websites and tools out there that help writers create a good citation. Many students enjoy using [http://easybib.com/ EasyBib], a useful tool for formatting source into MLA style for free. Indiana University has also published a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM4Abds7I6k YouTube video] that helps writers identify good sources.

== Peer-Reviewed Articles==
A peer-reviewed article is one that is "read by subject experts ("peers" of the author) before they are published in a journal."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>
<br />
<br />
Many library databases allow you to filter search results to include only peer reviewed articles. Most Academic Journals are peer-reviewed, but to be certain you can "examine the Instructions to Authors page that most journals provide to assess if the submission process involves reviewers or referees."<ref>EMU Library. ''Scholarly Sources and Peer-Review''. Easter Michigan University, 2013</ref>

== Scholarly Articles ==
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine when a source is "scholarly" but there are a few steps to take that can help determine a website's academic worth.
<br />
'''How to Identify a Scholarly Source'''<ref>UCF Library, ''What is a Scholarly Source''. University of Central Florida, 2013</ref>

* It is published by a Scholarly Association or society, or a university, or recognized scholarly publisher?
* Are articles reviewed in some way?
* Are the articles written for an academic audience or a popular audience?
* Are the citations clear and abundant?
*It is published by a university press or other academic publisher?
*Is it a textbook? If it is written for classroom use, it is not a scholastic source. It is intended as a learning tool, but the textbook references can help you find other sources.

== Using Wikipedia ==
Students everywhere love to look to Wikipedia for answers. This is all well and good, but can Wikipedia be an appropriate source? There are many different policies on this and writers should always check with their supervisor before relying on Wikipedia. One thing that Wikipedia can give everyone is a jumping off point. Most wiki articles have many sources and writers can check out their sources and adopt them into their paper. It also allows authors to quickly gain a basic understanding of the subject they are writing on, if they are unfamiliar with it.
<br />
Using Wikipedia as a source is a very controversial topic because it is able to be edited by anyone. The site has many fail-safes to keep errors to a minimum and usually succeeds. There is, however, no guarantee that when you go to the "American Civil War" wiki page you won't read that the south won and then proceeded to destroy Venus.<ref>Raphael, JR, ''The 15 Biggest Wikipedia Blunders''. PC World, 2008</ref>

== Sources ==
<references/>

How and when do I use images?

2013-07-18T20:27:00Z

Lizzylynnbass: /* Use photos that improve a user's experiences */

==When to use images==

==Good design and what it looks like==
It is important to deliberately choose images that help to emphasize your writing. Choosing between photographs, illustrations, horizontal images and vertical images are all very important decisions. More important, however, is what the subject and tone of your image is.

<h4>Image Orientation</h4>
There are two main orientations of photos, horizontally aligned and vertically aligned, and there is a time and place for each type.
<h6>Horizontal images are best when<ref>http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_2.htm</ref>:</h6>
*The subject is wider than it is tall
*The photo has horizontal movement (this will "amplify the sense of movement" and causes the viewer to scan left to right)
*To convey a sense of space (the image will seem larger because human vision is horizontally oriented)
<h6>Vertical Images are best when<ref>http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_3.htm</ref>:</h6>
*The subject is taller than it is wide
*To drive a viewer's eyes up and down or when there is vertical movement.
*To focus attention and make a greater impact (since the viewer is not distracted by peripheral items, the feeling is more compact)

<h4>Illustrations vs Photographs</h4>
Illustrations and photographs have two very different feels. It is important to consider your subject matter when deciding on the type of picture you are going to use.
<h6>Illustrations are best when<ref>http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/</ref>:</h6>
*you want to create a sense of imagination
*trying to "shake-up" a viewer (since illustrations are a deviation from the norm)
*conveying a concept or abstract idea

<h6>Photographs are best when<ref>http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/</ref>:</h6>
*you want to depict something literally
*selling a product
*creating a sense of reality or professionalism

<h4>Tone and subjects of images</h4>
Images can cause intense emotions very easily. It is important that you use images that emphasize the tone of your message. E.g., when writing about a happy occasion don't have sad people in your photographs or use "dark purple" tinted images<ref>http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html</ref>. Think long and carefully before you make a decision or have someone give you their impressions of a photo before using it.

==References==
<references/>

How and when do I use images?

2013-07-18T20:25:47Z