Why Choose Academic Resources Over General Websites for Politics, International Relations, and Global Affairs Research?
Think of the internet as a vast landscape, filled with both reliable information on global events and political issues, as well as biased opinions and misinformation. While it can be a helpful starting point, relying solely on general websites is like basing your analysis on social media echo chambers – risky and potentially misleading.
Why Learn to Use the Library and Online Databases?
Think of the library and online databases as the well-organised archives where the most valuable resources on politics, international relations, and global affairs are stored. Learning to navigate these resources is like obtaining the keys to unlock a wealth of knowledge and insights.
In the World of Politics, International Relations, and Global Affairs:
Relying on academic resources is paramount in these fields, where accurate information, critical analysis, and informed decision-making are essential.
Building a Winning Research Strategy for Politics, International Relations, and Global Affairs: A Student's Guide
Imagine you're preparing a policy brief on a pressing international issue. You wouldn't just rely on a single news article, right? You'd need to research relevant treaties, historical context, and diverse perspectives. The same goes for academic research in politics, international relations, and global affairs. A well-crafted search strategy is your roadmap to uncovering the information and insights you need to make informed arguments and recommendations. Here's how to create one:
Determine Information Needs: What types of information are you looking for? Academic articles? Policy reports? News articles? Historical documents? Data? This will help you decide where to search.
Select Your Research Tools:
Refine Your Search: If you get too many results, narrow your search by adding more specific terms or using filters (e.g., date range, language). If you get too few results, broaden your search by using synonyms or removing some terms.
Evaluate Your Sources Critically: Always assess the credibility and relevance of the information you find. Look for sources that are authoritative, up-to-date, and represent diverse perspectives.
Tips for Politics, International Relations, and Global Affairs Students:
Critical Evaluation: Your Essential Skill for Academic Success in Politics, International Relations, and Global Affairs
As a student in the fields of politics, international relations, and global affairs, you'll encounter a vast array of information sources, from scholarly articles and books to news reports, government documents, and online resources. Developing a discerning eye for evaluating the credibility, reliability, and relevance of these sources is paramount to your academic success and the development of your expertise.
It's particularly important to be aware of potential biases, including the dominance of Western or Northern European perspectives and the marginalisation of voices from the Global South.
Why Critical Evaluation Matters:
Key Questions to Consider When Evaluating Sources:
Authority:
Accuracy:
Currency:
Additional Considerations:
By applying these critical evaluation skills to every source you encounter, you can ensure that your research is based on reliable, accurate, and relevant information, leading to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of complex political and global issues.