Final answer:
To ensure credible research, utilize sources from academic databases, and websites with .edu, .gov, and .org domains while exercising caution with potential bias from advocacy sites. Verify authorship, citations, and cross-check data for reliability. For any doubts, librarians can provide guidance on credible sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
When researching and writing on any topic, it is essential to find credible information that is dependable and trustworthy. To identify and utilize reliable sources, students are advised to look for websites with domains such as .edu (educational institutions), .gov (government), and .org (nonprofit organizations), as they tend to be more trustworthy than commercial sites (.com). However, with .org sites being potentially biased towards a particular advocacy, critical analysis is necessary.
Academic article databases are excellent starting points for finding scholarly articles and reliable studies. For factual verification, always check who is behind the information, whether the data is properly cited, and whether it can be corroborated by other credible sources. If you are unsure about a source's credibility, consult your school library listings or ask a librarian for assistance. Finally, complement your research with information from newspapers, magazines, and visual sources like TED Talks to provide a well-rounded perspective on your topic.