Speak with Substance: a Guide to Finding and Using Information Effectively
- Lesson introduction
- 1. Background information
- 2. Data and statistics
- 3. Lived experiences
- 4. Analysis
- Lesson review: Types of information
- Evaluate information
- Citing information in a speech
- Reference list or Works cited
Generative AI for background research
As you explore possible topics to research, generative AI tools such as ChatGPT can help provide background information and suggest search terms for further research. Like Wikipedia, ChatGPT and similar tools can give a general overview or introduction to a topic. For example, if you are wondering about strategies to combat stress, or how to prevent forest fires in an age of climate change, ChatGPT can provide a list of options that might include some important concepts and terms to research in authoritative sources.
Important! AI tools may not include the most current events, and sometimes provides inaccurate statements and false citations. These tools can be useful for getting an overview of a topic, generating ideas, and clarifying complex information, but are not a substitute for researching a topic. Presenting AI generated answers as your own work is usually considered plagiarism. Learn more from this U.C. San Diego guide about generative AI and academic integrity.
Using content or quotes from a chatbox requires attribution and citation, like any other source. See
Find encyclopedias
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Encyclopedias for Background Research This link opens in a new windowA selection of online encyclopedias that provides general overviews of topics across many subjects. Start here to get working definitions of key concepts and a big picture view of your topic.
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Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowProvides online versions of 500 published reference works, including general and specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias. Try the Concept Map to search for terms and topics that are interconnected and displayed in a visual form. View the "How to search Credo Reference" tutorial.
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Access Science This link opens in a new windowAn online version of McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology and McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms. It contains nearly 9,000 online encyclopedia articles, terms, images and videos related to sciences and technology. The Study Center provides essay topics, study guides and bibliographies.
Find news articles
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US Major Dailies This link opens in a new windowFull text newspapers from five U.S. national and regional newspapers: New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune
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New York Times Online This link opens in a new windowUnlimited access to the New York Times on NYTimes.com. See Get Started with the New York Times Online to set up your subscription through PCC Library. Once you have set up your subscription, you can go directly to NYTimes.com and sign in using your personal account.
Next, go to the section on Data and statistics.
- Last Updated: Oct 15, 2025 11:36 AM
- URL: https://guides.pcc.edu/speakwithsubstance
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