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(7) If the source is a Website, does it include bibliographical data? You cannot
know how to judge the reliability of a site that does not indicate who sponsors
and maintains it, who wrote what’s posted there, and when it was posted or last
updated.

(8) If the source is a Website, does it approach its topic judiciously? Your readers
are unlikely to trust a site that engages in heated advocacy, attacks those who
disagree, makes wild claims, uses abusive language or makes errors in spelling,
punctuation and grammar.

(Adapted from Source: Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M.
Williams (1995/2008) The Craft of Research, Chicago: The University of Chicago
Press).

For advanced scholars, Booth et al. give two more criteria:
(i) if the source is a book, has it been well received? and
(ii) has the source been cited frequently by others?

Summarised Overview

As postgraduate learners, embracing the essence of bibliographies empowers
us to skillfully navigate the boundless ocean of knowledge, ensuring the integrity
of our research while nurturing intellectual growth. These bibliographies
encompass a comprehensive compilation of books, sources, journals, articles,
and more, serving as concise literature reviews within academic works such as
research papers, proposals, reflections, and even individual sentences.

Within the realm of bibliographies, diverse branches flourish, including
analytical or critical, systematic or enumerative, descriptive, historical, textual,
and annotated bibliographies. Annotated bibliographies, in particular, provide
a collection of sources accompanied by succinct summaries or evaluations that
elucidate their relevance and content. In the pursuit of research, it becomes
crucial to consult various forms of bibliographic sources, thereby ensuring a
comprehensive grasp of the subject matter at hand.

Bibliographic sources emerge as essential references or citations embedded
within research works. They encompass an array of mediums, such as books,
academic journals, scholarly articles, websites, reports, and other publications,
meticulously consulted to amass information and fortify the foundations of
research claims. These bibliographic sources assume a paramount role in the
research process, augmenting annotations and furnishing invaluable insights
into the pertinent literature and sources engaged during the scholarly quest.

SGOU - SLM - Foundational Skills for Research and Writing 71