Sloppy research methods
Do this:
Read the following statement written by a university tutor about sloppy research methods:
“I routinely ask students about whom I have suspicions to bring all their research notes to my office so we can discuss the entire essay-production process. Sometimes I discover that the student has collected photocopies or taken copious notes from the library sources, with absolutely no reliable way of tracing the source or page number. I think of these students as enthusiastic vacuums who suck up all the relevant material they can find, without understanding the need for retrieval and verification of sources. Many have admitted to me that they realized the information for proper citations was missing while typing the final draft, but at 3:00 a.m. before the deadline date, they simply decided it was not worth it to track down the sources. These students understand the logic and mechanics of referencing, but decide to leave the citations out, hoping that no one will notice. Careless students are easy to identify (from a quick glance at their research notes) and easy to help. I show them how to collect the relevant bibliographic information when they are searching for sources on the Library's on-line catalogue, and they can even use this from home at 3:00a.m. if they have a computer. I advise students to keep careful research notes. Using a sample of my own research notes, I demonstrate that good research notes can be used years later if they distinguish quotations from paraphrases and record page numbers and full bibliographic information. Finally, I require them to undertake the tedious task of tracking down their sources and re-doing the assignment. If the timing is right, I will also make a note to myself to ask to see their research notes while the next essay is in progress, just to make sure they have mastered the habit.”
Think about this:
Reading the above extract should have helped you to understand how important it is not to be sloppy about the research you do for your essay. Keep a meticulous record of all your sources, where you have got quotations from, and where you have paraphrased the author’s ideas. This might sound tedious, but will save you a lot of time when you actually write your essay. To find out about reference guides go to: Choosing your reference guides.