PROJ classes at SAIT are an opportunity for you to perform research to solve real-world industry problems. Your project will involve both primary research, where you gather the data, and secondary research, where you look for information that has already been created. Being able to find, assess, and use credible information is important for both this project and future industry assignments.
Secondary research helps us understand the current trends and existing research in a specific field or industry.
The RADAR Framework is a tool to help you remember the criteria used to evaluate the quality, credibility, and relevance of any source of information. Keep these principles in mind when considering the inclusion of any source - whether print, online or other media - in your assignment.
Relevance – How relevant is the information to your assignment?
Authority – Who/what is the source (author, publisher) of the information?
Date – When was the information first published or last updated?
Appearance – What does the source of information look like?
Reason (for creation) – Why was the information published in the first place?
RADAR is not a yes/no test, or a be-all and end-all guide. Use RADAR to consider the relative quality of information as you are searching.
Biased, opinionated or even false information can be included in a research project to effectively highlight dissenting opinions or identify commonly held errors. The reliability of such information, however, should always be clearly identified and placed in context with more balanced sources.
If you are unsure about the quality of a source, don’t hesitate to contact the library for help!
Primary research is an opportunity for you to collect relevant data that will add to the information and findings gathered from your secondary research. Below are some resources to get started. If you need further assistance, contact your Library Liaison.
Search Google Patents for original design schemas, invention details, blueprints, and more.