bedguide10e

Launching Source Material

For more on the format for source citations in the text, see D6 in the Quick Research Guide, p. A-31.

You need to write a launch statement to identify the source of each detail and each idea — whether a quotation, summary, or paraphrase. Whenever possible, help readers see why you have selected particular sources, why you find their evidence pertinent, or how they support your conclusions. Select the verb that conveys to readers each source’s contribution: says, claims, agrees, challenges, argues, discusses, interprets, describes, and so forth. Use your launch statements to show not only that you have read your sources but also that you have absorbed and applied what they say about your research question. Try the following strategies to strengthen launch statements.

Name the author in the sentence that introduces the source:
As Wood explains, the goal of American education continues to fluctuate between gaining knowledge and applying it (58).
Add the author’s name in the middle of the source material:
In Romeo and Juliet, “That which we call a rose,” Shakespeare claims, “By any other word would smell as sweet” (2.2.43–44).
Note the professional title or affiliation of someone you’ve interviewed to add authority and increase the credibility of your source:
According to Jan Lewis, a tax attorney at Sands and Gonzales, …

Briefly noting relevant background or experience can do the same:

Recalling her tour of duty in Iraq, Sergeant Nelson noted …
Identify information from your own field research:
When interviewed about the campus disaster plan, Natalie Chan, Director of Campus Services, confirmed …
Name the author only in the source citation in parentheses if you want to keep your focus on the topic:
A second march on Washington followed the first (Whitlock 83).
Explain for the reader why you have selected and included the material:
As Serrano’s three-year investigation of tragic border incidents shows, the current policies carry high financial and human costs.
Interpret what you see as the point or relevance of the material:
Stein focuses on stem-cell research, but his discussion of potential ethical implications (18) also applies to other medical research.
Relate the source clearly to the thesis or point it supports:
Although Robinson analyzes workplace interactions, her conclusions (289–92) suggest the need to look at the issues in schools as well.
Compare or contrast the point of view or evidence of two sources:
While Desmond emphasizes the European economic disputes, Lewis turns to the social stresses that also set the stage for World War II.

Adding transitional expressions to guide readers can strengthen your launch statements by relating one source to another (in addition, in contrast, more recently, in a more favorable view) or particular evidence to your line of reasoning (next, furthermore, in addition, despite, on the other hand). However, transitions alone are not enough. Your analysis and your original thought need to introduce and follow from source information.