Types of Evidence

The purpose of your research paper is not only to inform readers about an issue but also to persuade them to accept your position on the issue and take action based on your recommendation. While the thesis is the foundation of your argument, it cannot support the entire argument alone. To convince and persuade your readers, you must provide supporting evidence, or proof of the strength and validity of your argument. You will find this supporting evidence as your research information, but before you begin, take a moment to consider possible types of evidence that you may want to use to support your claims. View this presentation to learn about various types of supporting evidence. Click the player button to begin.

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Conducting Research

There is a wide diversity of sources from which to choose, including digital and web resources; print publications such as books; reference texts; periodicals; and multimedia like documentaries or interviews. You can even undertake your own primary research, such as conducting a survey or interview, if such evidence is pertinent to your topic. Not only is strong evidence essential to persuasively defending your argument, but a diversity of sources is also key to convincing your readers to back your claim. View this presentation for a brief overview of researching for a persuasive paper. Click the player button to begin.

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Researching Primary and Secondary Sources Review

Now that you have explored different types of evidence as well as how to conduct research to locate primary and secondary sources, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Read each question and select the appropriate answer. Click the player button to get started.