Researching a Controversial Topic

Topics that are controversial or polarizing can be difficult to research. Much of the information you might find on the Internet tends to be one-sided, biased, and not well researched. Even in the library sponsored resources listed below, you will still have to read the information carefully before using.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Look for resources where the author presents information both supporting and opposing the issue. Ideally, the author should let you make up your own mind about the issue.
• An author should always cite the sources of their information. This is especially critical with controversial issues--check the bibliography and test the credentials of the sources quoted.

Library Sponsored Resources

Issues and Controversies

Academic Search Elite

MasterFile Premier

 

Find Books and eBooks

To access these databases,

• Click on the name of the database you want to search.
• The next screen should ask you for your username and password.  If nothing displays, adjust your computer’s security settings to a lower setting and try again.
• Use your network username and password to log on (note: this is different from your Owlnet username and password).  If you are a Graduate and Adult Studies student, you should have been given information on how to access the databases.  If you have any questions or problems, contact the Reference Librarian .