I need help with finding sources for my research paper. My teacher said: All of your sources should be from reputable scholarly sources, from journal articles you access via the library's online databases or from books that you access in the library. Websites are considered uncredible and should not be used as a source in a research paper. I am so confused. The sources I sent to her she said they don't count as secondary sources. I am doing my research paper on Character Analysis of Ethan Frome, from the novel "Ethan Frome". I am just not understanding what she is actually looking for. Please help!!!

Your instructions are very clear:

All of your sources should be from reputable scholarly sources,

from journal articles you access via the library's online databases or

from books that you access in the library.

Ms. Sue is right.

1. Go to your library -- yes, to your library -- in person.

2. Ask to speak with a reference librarian -- yes, a real live person!

3. Show the reference librarian your topic and your teacher's directions. The librarian will know exactly how to help you. Follow his/her directions.

4. Do not use Internet sites.

I can help you with finding sources for your research paper. Based on your teacher's instructions, it seems that she is looking for specific types of sources that are considered reputable and scholarly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find appropriate sources for your research paper:

1. Focus on online databases: Start by accessing your school or university library's online databases. These databases usually provide access to a wide range of reputable scholarly sources, including journal articles, books, and academic papers. Some commonly used databases include JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost.

2. Searching within databases: Once you have access to an online database, you can start searching for sources related to your topic. Use keywords like "Ethan Frome," "character analysis," and "novel analysis" to narrow down your search. Most databases allow you to refine your search results using filters such as publication date, author, or source type.

3. Look for journal articles: Journal articles are considered primary sources, which are valuable for academic research. Focus on finding scholarly articles that analyze the character of Ethan Frome or offer insights into the novel. Pay attention to the author's credentials, as reputable scholars or experts usually write these articles.

4. Explore books in the library: Your teacher mentioned that books accessed in the library are acceptable sources. Visit the library and search for books related to your topic. Look for scholarly books that provide a comprehensive analysis of character, themes, or other relevant aspects of "Ethan Frome."

5. Evaluate the credibility of sources: Ensure that the sources you find are reputable and scholarly. Consider the authority of the author, the publication date, and the credibility of the journal or publisher. Avoid using sources that are outdated or published in non-academic sources, like popular magazines or random websites.

6. Ask for guidance: If you are still unsure about the credibility of a source or need further assistance, reach out to your librarian or teacher for guidance. They can help you verify the authenticity and reliability of the sources you find.

Remember to keep track of the sources you are using for your research paper so that you can properly cite them later. Good luck with your research!

I can definitely help you understand what your teacher is looking for when it comes to finding sources for your research paper.

When your teacher mentioned using reputable scholarly sources, what they meant is that you should be using sources that are written by experts in the field who have conducted research and analysis on the topic you are studying. These sources are usually published in academic journals or books.

To access these sources, your teacher specifically mentioned using the library's online databases. Online databases are collections of scholarly articles from various academic journals. Your school's library likely subscribes to several databases like JSTOR, Academic Search Complete, or ProQuest. You can access these databases through the library's website by using your school login credentials.

In the case of your research paper on the character analysis of Ethan Frome, you should try searching for articles or books that focus on the novel "Ethan Frome" or its author, Edith Wharton. You can start by using keywords such as "Ethan Frome character analysis" or "Edith Wharton literary criticism" in the search bar of the online databases. The results will provide you with a list of scholarly sources that you can then evaluate and select for your research.

Remember that websites are generally considered unreliable sources for academic research papers. While there are some credible websites, it's important to be cautious and verify the credibility of the source. Since your teacher explicitly mentioned not to use websites as sources, it is best to focus on finding articles from scholarly journals and books available in the library.

If you're having trouble finding suitable sources or if you're unsure whether a source counts as a secondary source, consider reaching out to your school librarians or your teacher for further guidance. They can assist you in locating appropriate sources and help clarify any confusion you may have.