Finding Truth & Documenting Sources
As followers of Yahuah, we are called to be seekers of truth. Research is the systematic process of investigating a topic to discover accurate information and share it with others.
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." - Acts 17:11
The Bereans didn't just accept what Paul said—they verified it against Scripture. This is our model for all research:
1. Why is it important for believers to be skilled researchers?
2. What topic related to faith would you like to research? Why?
A good research topic is neither too broad (impossible to cover) nor too narrow (not enough material).
Example: Starting Broad
| Level | Topic | Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Too Broad | The Bible | Could fill a library! |
| Still Broad | Bible Prophecy | Still thousands of pages |
| Getting Better | Daniel's Prophecies | Manageable but still large |
| Good Focus | The Four Kingdoms in Daniel 2 | Specific, researchable |
| Even More Focused | Historical Evidence for the Four Kingdoms | Very specific thesis possible |
Turn your topic into a question that requires investigation:
Weak questions (can be answered in one word):
Strong questions (require research and analysis):
Narrow each broad topic to a focused research question:
1. Broad topic: Creation
Narrowed focus:
Research question:
2. Broad topic: Biblical Health
Narrowed focus:
Research question:
3. Broad topic: End Times
Narrowed focus:
Research question:
Original, firsthand information from the time period or event
Value: Direct evidence, no interpretation filter
Analysis, interpretation, or commentary on primary sources
Value: Helps interpret and contextualize primary sources
Summaries or compilations of primary and secondary sources
Value: Good starting point, but dig deeper!
Remember: If any source contradicts Scripture, the source is wrong—not Scripture!
Identify each as Primary (P), Secondary (S), or Tertiary (T):
1. The Dead Sea Scrolls
2. A Bible commentary by Matthew Henry
3. Wikipedia article on the Flood
4. Josephus's "Antiquities of the Jews"
5. A documentary about creation vs. evolution
6. An archaeological report of an excavation
Not all sources are created equal! Use the CRAAP Test to evaluate any source:
C - Currency: When was it published/updated?
R - Relevance: Does it relate to your topic?
A - Authority: Who wrote/published it?
A - Accuracy: Is the information correct?
P - Purpose: Why does this exist?
Apply the CRAAP test to a source you've used or found:
Source title/URL:
Currency: When published? Is it current?
Relevance: How does it relate to your research?
Authority: Who wrote it? What are their credentials?
Accuracy: Can claims be verified? Are sources cited?
Purpose: Why was this written? Any bias?
Overall assessment: Would you use this source? Why/why not?
Good note-taking helps you remember information, organize your thoughts, and avoid plagiarism by tracking what came from where.
1. DIRECT QUOTES
Copy the exact words, using quotation marks. Include page number.
Use when: Wording is important, making a key point, or you might want to quote directly
2. PARAPHRASE
Rewrite the idea in your own words completely. Still cite the source!
Use when: The idea is important but the exact wording isn't
3. SUMMARY
Condense a large amount of information into key points.
Use when: You need the general idea of a long passage
Each note card (or digital note) should contain:
Read this passage, then practice all three note-taking methods:
"The Hebrew word 'raqia' translated 'firmament' literally means something beaten or spread out, like hammered metal. This is consistent with the ancient understanding of the sky as a solid dome. Job 37:18 asks, 'Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?' The comparison to a molten mirror confirms the solid nature of the firmament in biblical cosmology."
— Dr. James Robertson, Biblical Cosmology Explained, p. 78
1. Write a direct quote (with citation):
2. Write a paraphrase (with citation):
3. Write a summary (with citation):
Plagiarism is presenting someone else's words or ideas as your own. It is a form of stealing and lying—both forbidden by Torah.
When in doubt, cite it!
Original source: "The Sabbath was established at creation, long before the giving of the Law at Sinai. Genesis 2:2-3 shows that Yahuah Himself rested on the seventh day and set it apart as holy." — Dr. Sarah Johnson, Torah Foundations, p. 45
Which of these is plagiarism? Explain why:
A. The Sabbath was established at creation, before the giving of the Law at Sinai. Genesis 2:2-3 shows that Yahuah rested on the seventh day and set it apart as holy.
Is this plagiarism? Why?
B. According to Dr. Johnson, "The Sabbath was established at creation, long before the giving of the Law at Sinai" (p. 45).
Is this plagiarism? Why?
C. Dr. Johnson argues that the Sabbath wasn't created at Sinai but at the very beginning of the world, when Yahuah rested and made the seventh day holy (p. 45).
Is this plagiarism? Why?
Citations tell readers exactly where your information came from. They allow others to verify your claims and explore further.
In-Text Citations: Brief reference within your writing
Bibliography/Works Cited: Complete list at the end of your paper
Book:
Website:
Journal Article:
Bible:
Write proper citations for the following:
1. A book called "The Flood of Noah" by Dr. Michael Brown, published by Creation Books in 2021.
2. A website article "Understanding Hebrew Feasts" on www.torahcalendar.com, written by Rachel Green on March 15, 2022.
3. Exodus 20:8-11 from the King James Version.
1INTRODUCTION
2BODY PARAGRAPHS (3-5 typically)
3CONCLUSION
4WORKS CITED
Create an outline for a research paper on a topic of your choice:
Topic:
Thesis statement:
Outline:
Getting Started:
Writing Body Paragraphs:
Using Evidence:
| Purpose | Words/Phrases |
|---|---|
| Add information | furthermore, additionally, moreover, also, in addition |
| Show contrast | however, on the other hand, nevertheless, although, yet |
| Show cause/effect | therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, because |
| Give examples | for example, for instance, specifically, to illustrate |
| Conclude | in conclusion, finally, ultimately, in summary |
Topic sentence: The Hebrew word "raqia," translated "firmament," indicates something solid and spread out.
Evidence: Dr. James Robertson explains that "the Hebrew word 'raqia' literally means something beaten or spread out, like hammered metal" (78).
Analysis: This etymology is significant because it suggests the biblical writers understood the sky to be a physical structure, not empty space. The comparison to hammered metal—something solid created through beating and shaping—indicates firmness and tangibility.
Connection to thesis: This linguistic evidence strongly supports the view that Scripture describes a solid firmament.
Using your outline from Unit 8, write one complete body paragraph:
Topic sentence:
Evidence (with citation):
Analysis (what does this evidence mean?):
Connection to thesis:
Good writing is rewriting! Revision transforms a rough draft into a polished paper.
STEP 1: Big Picture (Content & Organization)
STEP 2: Paragraph Level (Clarity & Flow)
STEP 3: Sentence Level (Editing)
STEP 4: Final Polish (Proofreading)
After completing a research paper, answer these questions:
1. What is your thesis statement?
2. What was the strongest piece of evidence you found?
3. What part of the paper was hardest to write? Why?
4. What did you learn through this research process?
5. How could you improve your next research paper?
A: YES, plagiarism - The words are copied almost exactly with no quotation marks and no citation.
B: NO, not plagiarism - This is a properly cited direct quote with quotation marks and page number.
C: NO, not plagiarism - This is a proper paraphrase that changes the structure and words while citing the source.
1. Brown, Michael. The Flood of Noah. Creation Books, 2021.
2. Green, Rachel. "Understanding Hebrew Feasts." Torah Calendar, 15 Mar. 2022, www.torahcalendar.com.
3. In-text: (Exodus 20:8-11, KJV) or Works Cited: The Holy Bible, King James Version.
Research papers should be evaluated on: