Roll Tide Research
Roll Tide Research is a flexible, self-paced series of interactive modules designed to help students build essential academic research skills. Each module includes three learner pathways that explore key research concepts through engaging multimedia lessons. To support learning and application, every module also includes an optional multiple-choice quiz and a performance-based assessment. Modules can be completed in any order and are designed to support a variety of learning styles and course needs.
To learn more about how to use or incorporate Roll Tide Research into your course, or simply to provide feedback, visit our Roll Tide Research Faculty Information Guide.
Topic Development
https://lib.ua.edu/rtr/topicdevelopment
Learn how to focus your research by narrowing your topic and creating a clear, well-defined research question. This module covers strategies for moving from a broad idea to a focused question that is manageable, meaningful, and ready for research.
Lessons: Getting Started with Your Topic | From Topic to Research Question
Identifying Sources
https://lib.ua.edu/rtr/identifyingsources
Understand the different types of sources used in academic research and how to categorize them based on their purpose and reliability. This module will help you make informed decisions about selecting the most credible and relevant sources for your work.
Lessons: Why Do Scholars Use Sources | What is a Source | Scholarly & Popular Sources | Primary, Secondary, & Tertiary Sources
Searching for Sources
https://lib.ua.edu/rtr/searchingforsources
Learn strategies for finding reliable, relevant information for your research. This module covers where to search for information, how to develop effective keywords, and how to use Boolean operators to combine those keywords for better results.
Lessons: Determining Where to Search | Identifying Keywords | Using Boolean Operators
Navigating and Using Scout for Research
https://lib.ua.edu/rtr/scout
Learn how to use Scout, the UA Libraries discovery tool, to search across databases, special collections, and the library catalog for both print and online materials. This module will guide you through advanced search techniques, evaluating results, narrowing searches, and accessing full-text materials.
Lessons: Getting Started with the Advanced Search | Reading the Search Results Page | Using Limiters & Filters | Understanding the Bibliographic Record | Saving & Citing Your Sources | Requesting Materials Through Interlibrary Loan
Evaluating Sources
https://lib.ua.edu/rtr/evaluatingsources
Learn how to assess sources for credibility, reliability, and relevance. This module covers evaluating an author’s authority, identifying bias or misinformation, and using lateral reading to verify information, helping you confidently select high-quality sources for your research.
Lessons: Understanding Authority & Expertise | Evaluating Reliability, Timeliness, Accuracy, and Relevance | Using Lateral Reading to Verify Sources