Speech & Debate Research Guide
Graham
MCPL Databases
Accessed through Mid Continent Public Library.
Login using ISD + student number (ISD12345).
Opposing Viewpoints & General Databases:
CQ Researcher - Explores hot topics and has a Pro/Con database which analyzes the topic from both POVs.
Opposing Viewpoints - Access information about controversial social issues, with access to viewpoint articles, topic overviews, and primary documents.
Pop Culture Studies - Articles from 1980 to present.
GALE General OneFile - A great general database. Access articles ideal for research papers and projects. Check out the Topic Finder tool to see a visual representation of your searches.
Literature & Works of Art:
Bloom's Literature - Examines the lives and works of great writers throughout history.
Short Story Index - Index to short stories written from 1915 to 1983.
Libby - Allows to check out and read books from your chromebook or phone.
There are hundreds of free databases on MCPL. Check out what they offer by viewing their Online Resources Handout.
Source Credibility
CRAAP Method
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Currency: When was the content written? When was it published? Has it been updated?
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Relevance: Why are you reading this article? Does it deliver what it promises? Are the language and coverage appropriate?
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Authority: Does the author have an academic degree in the field? Is the writer experienced and/or qualified?
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Accuracy: Has the author cited their sources? Are their sources academic? Have the findings been replicated?
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Purpose: What is the purpose? Is there evidence of a conflict of interest?
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Currency: When was the content written? When was it published? Has it been updated?
-
Relevance: Why are you reading this article? Does it deliver what it promises? Are the language and coverage appropriate?
-
Authority: Does the author have an academic degree in the field? Is the writer experienced and/or qualified?
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Accuracy: Has the author cited their sources? Are their sources academic? Have the findings been replicated?
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Purpose: What is the purpose? Is there evidence of a conflict of interest?
Other Databases & Resources
EBSCOhost- Periodicals, journals, newspapers, articles, and more. Login using isdschools.
CNN & CNN10 - World news and a daily news video.
Google Scholar - Includes journals, dissertations, technical reports, and other scholarly literature.
Boolean Operators
"AND" helps narrow the search: Requires both terms to be in each item returned. If one term is contained in the document and the other is not, the item is not included in the resulting list.
"OR" broadens the search: Either term (or both) will be in the returned document.
"NOT" focuses the search: The first term is searched, then any records containing the term after the operators are subtracted from the results.
( ) or " " enclose search strategies that will customize your results.