Not all sources or pieces of evidence are created equal, even when we are discussing academic sources; that is why in this book we review basic research skills that will help you ensure that your research rests on valid sources of information. Remember that even when a source is peer-reviewed, it is important to be able to evaluate it in context to determine its appropriateness and usefulness for your project.

When you are searching for sources, you should search in the right place using the right terms. Being a skilled researcher means being resourceful and thorough. You must make sure you have looked everywhere it is possible to find sources. Many databases overlap in terms of some of their contents, but you should search as widely as possible, through multiple databases, to ensure that you haven’t missed any important articles related to your topic.