BIOL 370: Introduction to Environmental Science

In order to accomplish meaningful research, there are a number of things to keep in mind.  First of all, research is an ongoing process of curiosity, or inquiry - something valuable to you in accord with your interest and abilities.  Secondly, to be effective in a world filled with data, statistics, opinions and changing facts - it is important to search strategically and recognize that the authority of each source is constructed and contextual in its realm.  Therefore, you will want to work steadily at this project - finding a variety of perspectives, comparing evidence, noting gaps or differences, and following sources.  Academic scholarship is an ongoing conversation between experts and learners attempting to find things out about their world.  Participation is a significant opportunity for you, and involves creativity and critical reflection in order for you to add your contribution to the world of science and health!  Below are some things to keep in mind as you delve into this process and do the extremely important work of analyzing and evaluating your resources and thoughts.

It's important to cite sources you used in your research for several reasons:

• To show your reader you've done proper research by listing sources you used to get your information
• To be a responsible scholar by giving credit to other researchers and acknowledging their ideas
• To avoid plagiarism by quoting words and ideas used by other authors
• To allow your reader to track down the sources you used by citing them accurately in your paper by way of footnotes, a bibliography or reference list

For more help with CSE citation guidelines - be sure to visit our CITING SOURCES research guide!