How to Study Multiple Sources in 3 Easy Steps

Studying multiple sources (and citing them) can be demanding, but only if you are inexperienced. This is how you do it.

1. Brainstorming

Begin by skimming through the different books and journals you need for your assignment. I recommend not highlighting anything yet (unless you really have to). The goal is to collect as many different thoughts as possible.

2. Mind mapping

By now you should have tons of unorganized thoughts floating around in your head. Now what? Time for some good old mind mapping, which will give you a good overview of what you have to deal with.

3. Evaluating

Go back to the actual texts and start evaluating the information in them. Are there any contradictions between the writers? If so, how can you reconcile them (or is that even possible)? Ask questions and try to answer them rationally.

Don't forget to actually read the context a few times. What seems to be a contradiction could often be something else, so always study the context!

Now you are pretty much finished. All that's left is to review the material again and again. When it's time to write, our citation guides and examples will help you cite your sources correctly.