Background Info - ENGL 110/110x - College Composition I - Research Guides at MCC Library - Manchester Community College

Using Wikipedia for Research

Wikipedia can be an invaluable resource for background information, but it should be used with caution.

Using Wikipedia for Reseach
Some good pointers about using Wikipedia for research.

Wikipedia Do's and Don'ts

DO...

use Wikipedia to become familiar with a topic or as a starting point for research
use Wikipedia to find more search terms or keywords for your research topic
review the reference list for potential scholarly sources
maintain a level of skepticism when reading Wikipedia articles

DON'T...

cite Wikipedia articles in your bibliography for assignments or papers
treat information on Wikipedia as facts, especially when concerning legal or medical advice

Credit: Wikipedia Do's and Don'ts adapted from University of Pittsburg Libraries

Reference Databases

A great place to start your background research is with a reference database. Check out the ones below to help you find basic facts on your topic or research question.

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Gather basic facts, terminology and background information from Credo's reference collection which includes specialized encyclopedias, dictionaries and atlases.The mind map feature can help you find keywords for your research.
Points of View Reference Source This link opens in a new window
A good starting place when researching controversial topics or writing an opinion paper. Has hundreds of topics, each with an overview, point, counterpoint and critical thinking guide.
Britannica ProCon.org This link opens in a new window
Presents sourced pros and cons of debatable issues, as well as a host of reference information relevant to those issues, thoroughly researched and compiled.

Research Starters

Researcher Starters are a feature within MCC OneSearch. When you search, you may notice a box labeled "Research Starter" at the top of the search results page. Like Credo Reference, Research Starters can provide you with a topic overview and help narrow your focus.

To find a Research Starter it's best to enter a short general search keyword. For example, "global warming" or "immigration."

Data and Statistics

Find data and statistics on your topic.

Our World in Data This link opens in a new window
A free, open access collection of research and data to make progress against the world’s largest problems. Our World in Data publishes interactive data visualizations and summaries of the work of a global community of scholars to provide a comprehensive perspective on global living conditions and the earth’s environment.

Pew Research Center for People and the Press
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions.

ENGL 110/110x - College Composition I: Background Info

Finding and Using Background Information

Using Wikipedia for Research

Wikipedia Do's and Don'ts

Reference Databases

Research Starters

Data and Statistics