1. Identify and develop your topic
2. Identify the search tools you will need to find information on your topic
3. Evaluate what you find
4. Use correct ciitation format avoid plagiarism
Many scholarly journals are considered Peer Reviewed or Refereed. Prior to publishing an articled in a peer-reviewed journal, the article is sent to a group of editors or scholars in the field to be reviewed. The reviewers evaluate the methodology, research design, and other important aspects of the article prior to approving it for publication. Many databases allow you to limit your search to peer reviewed articles.
A primary source is an original object or document -- the raw material or first-hand information. Primary sources include historical and legal documents, eyewitness accounts, results of experiments, statistical data, pieces of creative writing, and art objects.
Examples include
A secondary source is something written about a primary source. Secondary sources include comments on, interpretations of, or discussions about the original material. You can think of secondary sources as second-hand information.
Examples include