Qualitative Research First, Then Write
Good Writing Will be Supported by Solid, Verifiable Information
Jan 20, 2009
There are several methods writers can use to verify that the information they discover is valid and verifiable. Those methods include looking at the credibility of the publication, the relevance of the information, the timeliness of the information, and the credibility of the writer. In this day of the Internet and easily accessed information, it is essential that an author use these tools and verify the information before publishing it. One source of controversy in college writing programs today is the use of Wikipedia as a valid source for information. Many schools have banned the use of Wikipedia sources by students in academic papers, and with good reason, or so it seems.
Linda Knapp, in an article in the Seattle Sun Times, said that, " Wikipedia enables people from around the world of all ages and races, as well as educational, professional, and economic levels to help build a shared knowledge base." She does not make a recommendation either way regarding using Wikipedia as a valid source, but does offer evidence on both sides of the discussion.
Credibility of the Publication
The discussion Wikipedia aside, the researcher needs to look at the publication or Website where the information is found. Is it a valid source? Is its main focus related and relevant to the topic being researched? In other words one would not expect that a report of the latest techniques in heart disease diagnosis found in a dental health journal would be the most credible or valid information. The researcher would be better off looking in medical journals that specialized in heart health.
Relevance of the Information
As the researcher reviews the information discovered through research, he or she needs to determine if it is relevant to and adds to the original topic. If the information does not fit, or is exactly the same as has been already discovered, it may not be valuable to the project. An article on flowering shrubs would not be enhanced by information about egg laying rates of banty chickens, so don't include it.
Timeliness of the Information
Checking the date of publication as well as any other relevant dates included in the information will tell the researcher if what he or she is looking at is timely or not. Depending on the focus of the article, generally facts or other information that is more than 10 years old is too old and may no longer be accurate. The Kentucky Virtual Library has a very good chart showing what sources of information to use depending on the level of currency needed to make the article credible.
Credibility of the Author
To determine the credibility of the person who wrote the information gathered in the research, look at his or her other work, do a cross reference search to see if he or she has written other articles on the same topic,or if other experts have referenced him or her. Is the author someone who is an expert in the content area being researched? Just because someone plays a doctor on TV does not necessarily mean he or she is an expert on medical procedures.
Valid Research
If the research appears to be valid after looking at the above things, then the resulting article will be accurate. The writer needs to be sure to cite the sources of any information quoted, paraphrased, or summarized from the research. Those citations will allow the reader to check the information and get even more if he or she wishes.
