The Bedford Researcher Chapter 15 Summary

Chapter 15 of The Bedford Researcher titled "Using Sources Effectively" asks three key questions.  These are "How can I use sources to accomplish my purposes as a writer?", "How can I integrate sources into my draft?", and "How should I document my sources?"  The section provides the writer with strategies and techniques for working with different types of sources. 

 Quotations, paraphrasing, or summaries introduce ideas or arguments to your readers.  Choosing the most effective approach will call attention to specific aspects to readers.  Contrasting ideas or arguments between your sources can be displayed by using these techniques.  Evoking trust from your readers can be established by supporting your assertions with evidence from credible sources.  Another way to support your argument is to introduce the ideas of someone who possesses expertise in the area.  When using this technique, it is important give credit to the person from who you borrowed the information.  Defining a concept may be more effective by paraphrasing or quoting a resource such as a dictionary or encyclopedia to clarify information then using your own words.  Quotations and illustrations can be utilized to create a mood or induce emotion.  Illustrating evidence using examples is more effective than telling your readers about the concept.  The use of amplification broadens a discussion while qualification narrows the scope of a statement.