Great Green Idea: Green Energy: Free Resources for Research Projects

Free Resources for Research Projects

Resources are needed for every research project. Some resources are higher quality than others. Depending on the level and type of research resources used may vary. Free resources are needed to keep research costs down, especially on the professional level.

Organizations

Organizations are a great resource for information for research projects. This is especially true of well known, highly trusted sources. Several organizations are also available to help with evaluation and functional research information.

The American Evaluation Association houses information regarding a wide array of topics. Information, includes but is not limited, to evaluation policy, evaluation e-library materials as well as current green initiatives. The American Statistical Association contains information for young statisticians as well as publications and educational materials.

Survey Sampling

Most research projects include taking samples by use of surveying. Several free sites are available to set up survey sample questions. Survey Monkey is a very popular site used by public schools as well as universities. Sites specializing in survey sampling are also available to help with research sample needs for the researcher.

Free Evaluation Training

Research courses in public school as well as universities give training to students on proper and ethical evaluation techniques. For individuals needing more information several sites are available to teach basic evaluation methods. Some sites also offer free courses to improve research skills.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is full of information to help in research efforts. Online information is available in the form of articles, webcasts, blogging, podcasting and digital collections. The Law Library of Congress is also available to research current legal topics as well as online law library resources.

Professional Journals

Professional Journals are preferred over the use of magazines or newspapers when adding research resources to the research project. Professional Journals are peer reviewed and are checked to insure factual information is used. Many journals are written by professions in the field they work in. Journals also contain current and up to date information.

ERIC

Education Resources Information Center is a wonderful resource for doing research. The center contains an online digital collection of research and education studies. This source is also used by students from major universities as well as serious researchers. It is a very rich source for finding information pertaining to research topics.

Local Resources

Local resources may also be available for research resources. Most cities have funding for a public library. Various forms of research materials are available depending on how much funding the library receives. Most libraries also have access to the inter-library loan program. The cost is usually free to minimum to have research materials sent from other libraries.

Research resources do not have to be expensive and can be found in a variety of places. Using free resources minimize the cost of action research projects.