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Physical Geography

This guide is to accompany / supplement library instruction for Geog 107.

Where do I Begin?

The first step of any research assignment is to understand the assignment itself. Take the time to carefully read the assignment, and even double check your syllabus to see if this assignment might relate to another one that could provide more information. You will want to start by thinking about some basic information:

  1. When is my assignment due?
  2. What do I need to research / what is my topic?
  3. Does my instructor recommend any specific databases, journals, or even search terms to start with?
  4. How many sources do I need, and what types of sources are required?
  5. What citation style do I need to use for my assignment?
  6. When is my assignment due?

While these might seem like obvious questions, working through them in steps can help you better plan for your assignment. The assignment due being mentioned twice isn't an error. While your instructors and the library are always happy to help, you don't want to be stuck asking for help at the last minute.

Identifying Sources

Whether you are doing research for an assignment, or just stumble across something in your own reading, there's always a question you should consider: Is this a good source?

Below are three geography/geology articles. Look at each of them, and consider if they are good sources, and what makes them a good or bad source. 

Once you have had a look at all 3, answer the poll, then move onto the next blue tab on the left, "Evaluating Sources".

Which article is the best source?
Puerto Rico Quakes: 73 votes (33.18%)
Deep Earth Water: 134 votes (60.91%)
Zealandia Mapped: 13 votes (5.91%)
Total Votes: 220