This was the question
Why is it critical to use multiple sources when writing a research paper? Why is it equally important to be sure those sources are reliable, valid, and relatively current?
Student 1 reply:
The reasons why using sources are so important is because firstly it allows someone who is either reading or writing it some more valuable information that they can look back at it to look over more information. Next it also shows that you have performed the rightful research when it comes to discussing a topic of your choice. What makes getting the right sources important is because firstly if the information isn’t properly fact checked it can throw off the entire paper as you can be giving out wrongful information. Next it helps you avoid plagiarism as it can be a form of cheating without it.
Student 2 reply:
If you only use one source you are just repeating what someone else has said, and you have done no research or thinking. If you read several sources you will see that they don’t all say the same thing. You need to think about the reasons behind the differences and decide what you think the right one is – or possibly they might help you think of something entirely new.
They need to be valid for the same reason, and relatively current because theories evolve and change. If you were writing a paper about the geology of the planet Earth, you wouldn’t want to base your theories on a paper that was written when they thought the earth was flat.
I just need a short comment for student 1 and 2 replies