Research Assignment – Speech Workshop #6
In class this week we discussed the importance of research. We learned how this process involves locating relevant
and reliable sources. Refer to the assigned course readings and lecture notes if you need a refresher.
Evaluating your sources is a part of research. As a class we discussed ways of doing so by looking at two examples:
Wikipedia and Academic Journals. Again, refer back to your notes—remind yourself why Academic Journals are beneficial and why you are not allowed to use Wikipedia in this class.
For this assignment, you will practice your research skills which will include using GALILEO, searching the Internet, locating relevant information, and evaluating your sources.
Pick a partner 

Names: ________________________________
Imagine you were developing an informative speech or research paper on one of these topics: presidential campaigns, reality television, the death penalty, teen pregnancy, terrorism, Wal-Mart, Facebook, Twitter, gay marriage, the millennial generation or gun control. Select one of the listed topics to use for this assignment.
Part 1: After selecting a topic, your team will use GALILEO to identify two articles on the topic you all selected.
Respond to the following questions.
What topic did the team choose? ______________________
Did the team search by keyword, subject, database, type or journal? CIRCLE/HIGHLIGHT ONE
Why did the team feel this was the best option?
What keywords did the team use to help find an article on the topic? NOTE: Refer back to the textbook and lecture notes on how to help narrow down search results.
Each article is listed in a database. What is the database of the team’s article? (Consider how this information could be helpful when conducting future research on similar topics or for similar purposes.)
Provide the full citations for TWO articles you found (in proper MLA or APA format):
Explain why the sources you selected would be good examples of research to use when developing a speech on the topic you selected above.

Part 2: Now, attempt to find some relevant (and reliable) Internet sources.
Provide the full citations (APA or MLA) for TWO sources you all found via an internet search.
Why did you all consider each of these sources relevant and credible?
Of the four sources you all found, which would you more likely use for a speech on the specific topic you all selected?
Explain your reasoning for each source (including those you all would not use); you must discuss the source’s credibility.