EPQ- amount of research sources

Hi guys,

I just want an idea of the number of types of sources people have used/ are using, in order to get a good grade.

I am doing a topic on homophobia, and most of my sources are from the internet- journals and newspaper articles and other information websites. I have not been able to find suitable books, however I am trying to get some research from podcasts. I really don't know what other sources of research I can use relevant to my project. Do you think I can still get a good grade even if I mostly use internet sources, if the essay is to a good quality?

Many thanks

Reply 1

999tigger

Original post by Fighter365

The problem with internet sources is they can be brief and unreliable.

You may need to be using more texbooks and for that you need the library or actual journal articles.

If you have a local uni then see if you can use their library as a guest and talk to a librarian.

I am not sure what homophobia comes under? Sociology? Social history?

Also have a look on Amazon for second hand books. They are cheap.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=homophobia

Reply 2

Fighter365

Original post by 999tigger

You have to be 18 to visit my local uni library and I’m 17 haha it’s so stupid. I got some from town library but hard to find ones specifically on U.K. homophobia. Also, do you mean online journal articles? I’ve found a few on google scholar. Also tvh as long as I get a B or above I don’t really care too much

Reply 3

rasputshealthbar

I had a lot of primary research (a survey, interviews, research trips to a hospitals and museum etc.) but my secondary sources (about 50 odd) were mostly confined to scientific journals, random books that honestly only had about 3 useful paragraphs, articles/websites and videos.

Reply 4

999tigger

Original post by Fighter365

Talk to them and explain or get your school to.
there were lots of books in the amazon search plus try other more general books.

Maybe also try some of the LGBT charities as well.

Also try your local uni LGBT society as they might help you get access.

Reply 5

Fighter365

Original post by 999tigger

I tried but they were being really stubborn about it :/.

Thanks, good suggestions, I didn’t really think about contacting LGBT charities and stuff to be honest.

I’ll try a bit harder looking for some books

Reply 6

999tigger

Original post by Fighter365

http://www.stonewall.org.uk/contact-us
https://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/

Keep digging till you have a respectable amount.

Reply 7

Fighter365

Original post by 999tigger

http://www.stonewall.org.uk/contact-us
https://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/

Keep digging till you have a respectable amount.

How many sources would you suggest is a good amount?

Reply 8

999tigger

Original post by Fighter365

How many sources would you suggest is a good amount?

I dont actually know. Its kind of I know it when i see it.
Maybe 15-30 with 5-10 good solid ones? Guessing.

It depends what I find and where from. have I covered the areas i set out to?

Dont make them up, but things like books and journals have more academic credibility than short internet pieces.

You will know when you have a good understanding of the area and its at the correct level of depth you want.
Use sources to back up your research.

Have a look at examiners reports and the spec for EPQ on the exam board website.