ENGL 1301: Arthur

While you might find some information about conspiracy theories on the open web, using the Brazosport College Library databases provides a much more robust research environment. These curated collections offer reliable, accurate, and diverse information, along with tools and features to support critical thinking and effective research, ultimately helping you to develop a well-informed understanding of your chosen topic. The first three resources listed can also be used to help you identify a conspiracy theory (click 'all issues', scroll to 'C', click "Conspiracy Theories"). Credo Reference is a good secondary resource to get introductory research once you have identified your conspiracy theory. 

LibGuides is a platform used by libraries to create resource guides on various topics, including conspiracy theories. These guides often provide curated lists of books, articles, websites, and other resources for researching conspiracy theories. They can be helpful for understanding the history, psychology, and impact of conspiracy theories, as well as for learning how to critically evaluate information and identify misinformation

Expert Sources

• Characteristics:

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles

  • Academic books and book chapters

  • Authoritative reports by research institutes or universities

• Database Filters:

  • Use “Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed” filter for expert sources.

• Source Details:

  • Look for author credentials and publication type.

Non-Expert Sources

• Characteristics:

  • Newspaper or magazine articles  (included in library databases)

  • Opinion pieces, blogs, or interviews

  • Social media posts and podcasts

How to Tell the Difference in BC Library Databases

• Database Filters:

  • For non-expert, select “magazines,” “news,” or check content labeled as blogs/opinion.

• Source Details:

  • Look for author credentials and publication type.

• Practice Lateral Reading:

  • Open multiple tabs to verify facts and perspectives.

  • Check author background, publication history, and citations.

  • Prefer .edu, .gov, or reputable news organizations for supporting claims.

• AI Content:

  • Fact-check any AI-generated suggestions with credible sources before use.

AI-Powered Resources

These sources are recognized for their standards and transparency in verification methods, making them reliable for academic and general use to assess conspiracy theories. Click 'more' to link to view the verification process used.

See MLA Citations tab on this LibGuide

Key Notes for Students on AI Citations:

• The prompt appears first (in quotation marks), followed by the word "prompt."
• Then list the AI tool’s name italicized, version/model if known, the developer or company, the date the content was generated or interacted with, and the URL.
• Include an accessed date if relevant.
• AI sources are considered non-expert and must be verified through lateral reading.
• Cite AI content responsibly to ensure transparency and maintain academic integrity.

Paper #3, titled “Experts Say,” is a research-focused assignment designed to help you engage critically with a conspiracy theory of your choice through a combination of expert and non-expert sources. The primary aim is to teach you how to locate, evaluate, and synthesize credible research, while also developing your ability to discern between anecdotal accounts and evidence-based findings. 

Purpose of the Assignment

• Critical Inquiry: You’ll explore a conspiracy theory from multiple angles, with an emphasis on credible, validated research.

• Source Evaluation: Learn to differentiate between expert (scholarly, research-based) and non-expert (anecdotal, personal, media-driven) perspectives.

• Research Proficiency: Gain practical experience in using library databases to find high-quality sources.

What Is an Expert Source?

An expert source is any material that presents information, analysis, or commentary created by an individual or organization with specialized credentials, advanced education, or recognized experience in a given subject area. Understanding how to distinguish these sources is key for college-level research, especially for assignments like the “Experts Say” paper.

Key Characteristics of Expert Sources

• Author Credentials:
  The author holds advanced degrees (e.g., PhD, MD, JD) or positions (professor, researcher, government expert) directly related to the topic. Look for institutional affiliations such as universities, research institutes, or professional organizations.

• Peer Review:
  Many expert sources are published in peer-reviewed journals, meaning other experts have evaluated the content before publication for quality and accuracy.

• Evidence-Based Content:
  Expert sources offer original data, systematic research methods, or detailed references to existing scholarship. They use statistics, experimental results, case studies, or in-depth reviews rather than just opinions or anecdotes.

• Publisher Reputation:
  These sources are typically produced by:

  • Academic publishers (e.g., university presses)

  • Professional associations (e.g., American Medical Association)

  • Government agencies (e.g., CDC, NASA)

  • Reputable scholarly journals or presses

• Citations and References:
  Expect to see a bibliography or list of references at the end, providing clear documentation for facts and arguments presented.

Examples of Expert Sources

What’s Not an Expert Source?

• News articles by general journalists

• Blog posts or personal websites (unless written by credentialed experts)

• Wikipedia or open-edit public wikis

• Social media commentary by non-experts

• Informal opinion pieces without verifiable evidence

Why Use Expert Sources?

• Credibility: Their authority and review process ensure reliable, objective, and accurate information.

• Depth: They offer comprehensive, nuanced takes on complex issues.

• Academic Integrity: Using expert sources demonstrates responsible scholarship and strengthens your argument.

For your “Experts Say” paper, make sure your expert sources are drawn from reputable academic databases and publishers, and always evaluate the author’s qualifications and the publication process before including them in your research.

Accessing Brazosport College Library Databases

Brazosport College provides students with a robust suite of digital resources to support academic research. Here’s how to confidently locate and make use of these databases for your assignments:

Where to Start

• Library Website: Visit the Brazosport College Library home page, which serves as your hub for all digital and physical resources.

• A-Z Databases List: Access the full list of databases via the A-Z Database List. This curated collection includes scholarly journals, newspapers, ebooks, reference materials, and multimedia content for a wide variety of subjects

How to Log In

• On Campus: Connecting to databases is automatic when using college computers or Wi-Fi. You do not need to log in separately.

• Off Campus: When accessing from home, you will be prompted to log in using your BC username and password. This step authenticates your status as a Brazosport College student and unlocks full access to licensed content

Using Brazosport College Library Databases for Research on Conspiracy Theories

When researching conspiracy theories for your “Experts Say” paper, Brazosport College provides several targeted databases that streamline your search for both expert and non-expert perspectives. Here’s a step-by-step guide focused on your specific assignment needs:

Most Relevant BC Library Databases by Source Type

How to Search for Conspiracy Theories

• Start Broad, Then Narrow: Begin with database homepages and search your conspiracy directly (e.g., “moon landing hoax,” “Flat Earth,” “Mandela Effect,” “anti-vaccination conspiracy”).

• Combine Keywords: Use search terms like “conspiracy theory,” “misinformation,” “disinformation,” paired with your specific topic (e.g., “COVID-19 conspiracy theory”).

• Source Filters: Always use the database’s source-type filters to separate peer-reviewed articles (experts) from newspaper/magazine articles (non-experts).

Using the Search Features

• Enter keywords or phrases related to your topic (e.g., "climate change," "conspiracy theory"). To get the most relevant results, use quotation marks for exact phrases.

• Take advantage of database-specific filters, such as:

  • Full Text: Limit results to resources you can read instantly.

  • Peer Reviewed/Scholarly: Show only academic journal articles.

  • Date Range & Source Type: Focus your search on recent research or a specific material type

Search Tips for Individual Databases

• Academic Search Complete

  • Strongest for multidisciplinary articles.

  • Click “Advanced Search.” Enter conspiracy keywords. Under “Source Types,” choose “Academic Journals” for experts and “Magazines” or “Newspapers” for non-experts.

• Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints

  • Delivers curated topic overviews, pro/con viewpoints, and news coverage.

  • Explore “Browse Issues” for contemporary examples.

• EBSCO eBook Collection / Gale eBooks

  • Search for full books or chapters analyzing social, psychological, and historical aspects of conspiracy beliefs.

• America's News

  • Enter a conspiracy theory as your keyword; filter to recent news stories, feature articles, and local coverage.

  • Good for anecdotal and non-expert testimonials.

Best Strategies for Your Assignment

• Expert Sources:
  Limit to journal articles, studies, academic books, and reports found using the “peer-reviewed” filter. These often appear in Academic Search Complete, EBSCO eBook Collection, and Gale eBooks.

• Non-Expert Sources:
  Seek out journalism, feature stories, interviews, and first-person reports using America's News, and magazine/newspaper filters in Academic Search Complete.

• Cross-Database “One Search”:
  Try Brazosport’s “One Search” feature to search across many databases at once, but always check source types and authorship to match assignment requirements.

Exploring and Retrieving Materials

• Most resources are available with a single click on the title or “Full Text” link.

• Save, email, or download PDFs for convenience.

• To find ebooks, select a database like the EBSCO eBook Collection and search by topic or title

Help and Support

• If you have trouble accessing a database or need help developing search strategies, reach out to library staff via:

  • Live Chat on the library homepage

  • Email: refdesk@brazosport.edu

  • Phone: (979) 230-3310 (General) or (979) 230-3406 (Reference)

• Schedule an in-person or virtual research consultation with a librarian if you need more guidance

Extra Tips

• Library e-resources are available 24/7 from anywhere with internet access, as long as you log in with your BC credentials when prompted

• The library’s online catalog and databases support discovery not only of articles and ebooks but also physical books, streaming video, and special digital collections

• Watch helpful video tutorials hosted on the library site for step-by-step guides to navigating databases and using advanced search techniques.

By following these steps, you’ll have the confidence and access needed to find credible, college-level sources for your research assignments

Developing a Search Strategy for Researching Conspiracy Theories

A thoughtful search strategy will help you efficiently locate both expert and non-expert sources required for your “Experts Say” paper. Use the step-by-step approach below to maximize your results in Brazosport College Library databases.

Clarify Your Research Topic

• Choose a Specific Conspiracy Theory: The more focused your topic, the better your search results (e.g., “Flat Earth theory” rather than just “conspiracy theories”).

• Identify Main Ideas and Synonyms: Break your topic into core concepts and brainstorm related keywords or alternate phrases.

  • Example: For the “Moon Landing Hoax,” related terms might include “Apollo 11,” “NASA conspiracy,” or “space race skepticism.”

Select Effective Keywords and Phrases

• List key terms, synonyms, and related words.

  • Sample keyword cluster: “vaccine conspiracy,” “anti-vaccination movement,” “medical misinformation.”

• Use quotation marks for exact phrases when needed (“flat earth”).

• Consider combining keywords with Boolean operators:

  • AND narrows results (“conspiracy AND moon landing”).

  • OR broadens results (“Mandela Effect” OR “false memories”).

  • NOT excludes terms (“JFK assassination NOT movie”).

Use Database Search Tools and Filters

• Advanced Search: Most databases offer an advanced search page where you can combine keywords in separate boxes.

• Filters: Refine results by:

  • Source type (Academic Journals for expert; Newspapers/Magazines for non-expert)

  • Peer-reviewed or scholarly only (for expert sources)

  • Publication date (choose recent years for current relevance)

  • Full text availability

• Browse by Subject: Some databases allow browsing by subject headings—this helps you find related topics you might miss through keyword search alone.

Sample Search Strategy Steps

Document Your Process

• Keep a Research Log: Record search terms, databases, and any filters applied. This helps you later troubleshoot or revisit effective strategies.

• Screenshots: Save full-page screenshots as you find sources, as proof for your assignment.

Tips for Maximizing Results

• If results are too broad or unrelated, add specific keywords or use filters.

• If too few results, use broader keywords or try removing some filters.

• Cross-check promising articles in multiple databases to ensure coverage.

• Don’t forget to look at bibliographies and “cited by” suggestions for new leads.

By building a structured, flexible search strategy and taking advantage of all database tools and filters, you’ll efficiently gather the balanced, credible evidence needed for a successful research paper

Evaluating Sources for the “Experts Say” Paper: Including Lateral Reading

Evaluating your sources thoughtfully is critical for strong college research. Traditional criteria (authority, accuracy, objectivity) remain important, but lateral reading—the act of verifying what you find by consulting outside sources—adds a layer of digital literacy essential for today’s information landscape.

What Is Lateral Reading?

Lateral reading means that rather than staying on a single website or article to judge its credibility, you open new tabs and search for outside perspectives on the source, author, or claim. Professional fact-checkers use this strategy to quickly assess reliability.

• Example: If you find an article on vaccine conspiracies, don’t rely only on what the article itself says about its accuracy or author. Search the author’s name, the website’s domain, and the quoted research in other credible places to see how experts and independent sources evaluate them.

How to Practice Lateral Reading

• Check the Author:
  Google the author’s name and look for evidence of their qualifications, affiliations, and what others say about them. Are they cited by other experts? Do they have a history of promoting dubious or high-quality scholarship?

• Investigate the Website/Publisher:
  Search for “about [website] credibility” or “[website] bias.” Reputable academic or news organizations are often rated by third-party monitors like Media Bias/Fact Check, Ad Fontes Media, or Wikipedia.

• Corroborate Claims:
  Copy key statements or statistics and paste them into a search engine. See whether they appear in peer-reviewed research, reliable news sources, or are debunked in fact-checking outlets.

• Find External Reviews:
  Has the source or study been cited, reviewed, or critiqued by experts elsewhere? Are there retractions or strong consensus/debunkings?

• Check Date & Updates:
  Are there more recent findings elsewhere that confirm or contradict what the source claims?

Integrating Lateral Reading in the BC Library Databases

Many library databases include trusted, peer-reviewed content, but you should still:

• Open new tabs to check for any controversies related to a journal, author, or research group.

• Use the “Cited By” function in JSTOR or Academic Search Complete to see how a paper has been received and used by other scholars.

• When using news or magazine databases for non-expert sources, compare how multiple outlets cover the same event or claim.

A Step-by-Step Source Evaluation Process

Quick Checklist for Lateral Reading

• Does outside research confirm the source’s claims or credibility?

• Is the author positively recognized by unbiased, expert third parties?

• Are there warning signs (such as repeated criticism for inaccuracy) about the website or publisher?

• Do multiple, credible sources corroborate key facts?

• Has the content faced significant, evidence-based rebuttal?

Ask for Help When Uncertain

If you encounter confusing or unclear information, consult a Brazosport College librarian via live chat, email, or call. They can help you cross-verify sources and practice effective lateral reading.

By systematically combining traditional source evaluation with lateral reading, you sharpen your critical thinking and ensure the research for your “Experts Say” paper is both credible and academically rigorous.

Documenting and Citing Sources for the “Experts Say” Paper

Effective source documentation and correct citation are crucial for academic research and essential requirements for your “Experts Say” paper. Brazosport College offers students a range of resources and support to help with MLA citation and documentation, many of which are found directly on the MLA Citations tab of this LibGuide.

Why Document Your Sources?

• Academic Honesty: Acknowledge where your information comes from to avoid plagiarism.

• Research Transparency: Allows readers to locate and verify your sources.

• Building Credibility: Proper citations strengthen your research and arguments.

How to Document Your Sources

While Researching:

• Record author(s), publication year, title, publisher, and page numbers for all sources as you find them.

• Save full-text PDFs, web pages, or links for easy retrieval.

• Take screenshots of each source and your “proof of progress” as required for the assignment.

While Writing:

• Use in-text citations in MLA format whenever you quote, paraphrase, or summarize information.

• Document all references in a Works Cited page at the end of your paper, following MLA 9th edition guidelines.

Where to Find Citation Help

The MLA Citations tab of this LibGuide is a central resource for all your citation needs. In this guide, you'll find:

• MLA Citation Tutorials and Templates:
  Step-by-step instructions for both in-text and full Works Cited entries.

• Sample Papers:
  Examples demonstrating correct MLA format and citation style.

• Citation Management Tools Recommendations:
  Guidance on organizing your sources, such as free online citation generators or using Word’s built-in tools.

• Quick Links:

  • MLA 9th Edition Quick Guide: Concise instructions for citing articles, books, websites, and more.

  • Cite an article from a BC Library database: Detailed instructions on citing a credible/ academic article

Tips:

• Prioritize accuracy and double-check citation formatting against LibGuide examples.

• Use the Library’s “24/7 ” chat or schedule a librarian consultation for one-on-one citation help.

• Visit the Writing Center for hands-on assistance in refining your draft and citations.

MLA Citation Basics 

• In-Text Citation Format:
  (Author’s Last Name page number)

  • Example: (Dweck 33)

  • If no author: (“Shortened Article Title” page number)

• Works Cited Entry Example:
  Article from an academic database:
  Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. #, no. #, Year, pp. xxx–xxx. Database Name, URL or DOI.

• Quoting and Paraphrasing:
  Always use in-text citation every time you use someone else’s words or ideas, whether quoting directly or paraphrasing.

Remember: Proper citation of sources ensures your “Experts Say” paper meets academic standards. When in doubt about formatting or plagiarism, consult the LibGuide or ask a librarian for expert guidance