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Research Skills

Overview

This guide was created to accompany the Research Skills 101 Workshop. In this workshop, TAMUCC students learn the process of how information is created and progresses through time via the information timeline, and how to find relevant resources using the library website.

The Information Timeline

What is the Information TImeline?

The information timeline is the process in which information is created and how it progresses throughout time. Once an event occurs, the information timeline begins. Click through the timeline below to view Grumpy Cat's journey through the information timeline. 

Why Does the Information Timeline Matter?

It is important to understand the information timeline because different formats of information give us different perspectives. If something happened a week ago, we know that we are not going to find a scholarly perspective on the event because it takes a long time to go through the peer review process. If an event happened 10 years ago, we can assume that there might not be much information on social media, but there may be some scholarly articles or books about the event.It also helps us understand that, depending on your research question, some perspectives are going to be more valuable, suitable, or credible than others. Knowing the information timeline helps us find relevant perspectives and resources.

Practice on Your Own

On your own, search the library quick search using the keywords (elasmobranchs OR sharks) AND Texas, and use the filters to refine your search to find relevant resources.