Research, Analysis and Evaluation

Objective: Use research to support judgements about arguments and perspectives

This section explores how to effectively utilize research to support your arguments and evaluate different perspectives within the context of Global Perspectives & Research. It focuses on the process of gathering, analyzing, and critically assessing information from various sources to form well-supported judgments.

1. Identifying Relevant Research

The first step is to identify research that is relevant to your topic and the arguments you are developing. This involves:

• Clearly defining your research question.
• Identifying keywords and search terms.
• Exploring a range of sources, including academic journals, books, reputable websites, and primary sources.
• Evaluating the credibility and reliability of sources (see Section 2).

2. Evaluating the Credibility and Reliability of Sources

It is crucial to critically evaluate the sources you use. Consider the following criteria:

• Authority: Who is the author or publisher? What are their credentials and expertise?
• Accuracy: Is the information factually correct and supported by evidence?
• Objectivity: Is the source unbiased or does it present a particular viewpoint?
• Currency: Is the information up-to-date and relevant to your topic?
• Purpose: Why was the information created? Is it to inform, persuade, or entertain?

3. Analyzing Research Findings

Once you have gathered relevant research, you need to analyze it. This involves:

• Identifying key themes and patterns.
• Comparing and contrasting different sources.
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses of the research.
• Considering different interpretations of the data.

4. Using Research to Support Arguments

Research should not just be presented; it should be used to support your arguments. This can be done by:

• Quoting directly from sources (use quotation marks).
• Paraphrasing information in your own words (cite the source).
• Summarizing key findings.
• Using data and statistics to illustrate your points.
• Connecting research findings to your overall argument.

5. Evaluating Different Perspectives Using Research

Research is essential for understanding and evaluating different perspectives on a topic. This involves:

1. Identifying the different perspectives.
2. Gathering research that supports each perspective.
3. Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective.
4. Considering the evidence for and against each perspective.
5. Forming your own judgment based on the research.

6. Presenting Research Effectively

When presenting your research, be sure to:

• Clearly cite your sources using a consistent referencing style (e.g., Harvard, MLA).
• Organize your research logically.
• Use evidence to support your claims.
• Acknowledge any limitations of your research.

Criteria	Description
Authority	Credentials and expertise of the source.
Accuracy	Factual correctness and supporting evidence.
Objectivity	Unbiased presentation of information.
Currency	Up-to-date and relevant information.
Purpose	Reason for creating the information.

By following these steps, you can effectively use research to support your judgments about arguments and perspectives in your Global Perspectives & Research work.