locate through research a range of appropriate sources and perspectives
🔍 Research, Analysis and Evaluation
What is Research?
Think of research like being a detective 🕵️♂️. You start with a question (the mystery), gather clues (information), and then solve the case (draw conclusions). In Global Perspectives, you use research to explore real‑world issues and support your arguments.
Finding Sources
Sources are the clues you collect. They come in three main types:
- Primary sources – the original evidence (e.g., a news interview, a government report, a diary entry).
- Secondary sources – analyses or summaries of primary data (e.g., academic articles, news commentaries).
- Tertiary sources – compilations that bring together primary and secondary info (e.g., encyclopedias, textbooks).
Tip: Use a mix of all three to get a balanced view.
Evaluating Sources
Not every clue is trustworthy. Check these five criteria:
- Authority – Who wrote it? Are they an expert?
- Accuracy – Is the information supported by evidence?
- Currency – Is it up to date?
- Purpose – Why was it created? (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain)
- Coverage – Does it cover the topic fully or only a part?
Use the 5 Cs checklist when you skim a source.
Comparing Perspectives
Different people see the same issue in different ways. Let’s look at the climate change debate:
| Perspective | Key Argument | Typical Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Community | Human activity is the main driver of global warming. | Peer‑reviewed journals, IPCC reports. |
| Industry Lobbyists | Policy changes could hurt economic growth. | White papers, press releases. |
| Grassroots Activists | Immediate action is needed to protect future generations. | Social media posts, NGO reports. |
Notice how each perspective uses different types of sources and emphasises different aspects of the same issue.
Exam Tips
When you write your essay:
- Start with a clear thesis that states your stance.
- Use the 5 Cs to pick sources quickly.
- Show comparative analysis – explain how different sources agree or conflict.
- Quote directly (use quotation marks) and cite properly.
- End with a reflection on the reliability of your evidence.
Remember: Quality beats quantity. A few well‑chosen sources are better than many weak ones.
Quick Math Check (Optional)
Sometimes you need to calculate a simple ratio of evidence:
$R = \frac{P + S + T}{3}$
Where P, S, T are the counts of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources you use. A higher R means a more balanced research set.
Revision
Log in to practice.