While writing papers in high school, one tenth of my grade was based on how well I cited my sources. Over the years, I came to familiarize myself with citing my sources as a way to boost the final mark on my paper. Citing the correct source meant the difference between an A- and an A+.
I never really payed attention to where I found my information, nor did I pay attention to who wrote the information. All I cared about was making sure I did not lose any point from not citing my sources.
Luckily, I came to realize that citing sources are worth more than one tenth of the grade of a research paper. The quality of my sources and the way I find them can make all the difference in how I learn about the material I am researching. As a professional engineer, the difference between quality sources and Wikipedia has much more of an impact than a letter grade on a paper.
As an engineering student, my new goal is to approach each research project as a lesson. When I begin my search for data and facts, will I want to trust the user “ScienceRox” on a public science forum, or read about a distinguished professor who published an article in a medical journal? Should I use Wikipedia as the “be all, end all” when it comes to information, or should I invest the extra time to dive into science articles written by knowledgeable engineers and researchers?
I would not hand over my expensive designer dress to be tailored by my ten-year-old sister, so why should I place my trust in a source that is not reputable?
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