Research
Gospel Insight
“Beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts…” —Doctrine & Covenants 46:8
In today’s flood of opinions, headlines, and AI-generated content, Christlike leaders must discern truth from error. That discernment requires spiritual sensitivity and disciplined study. As Elder Uchtdorf taught: “Never in the history of the world has it been more important to learn how to correctly discern between truth and error.”
Credible communication begins with credible research. In business—and in discipleship—truth is your most powerful asset.
Seek truth, test your assumptions, and cite your sources. You’ll build trust, sharpen your thinking, and develop the habits of a Christlike communicator and leader.
“If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light... and comprehend all things.” —D&C 88:67
Rely on both your faith and your reasoning. Information literacy is not just an academic skill—it’s a spiritual and ethical discipline.
Project Roadmap
This lesson requires you to attend a research lab with the business librarian and complete a SIFT Report on one of the sources you plan to use in your article. You will put the source through the SIFT moves; rate the source’s credibility; provide a quotation from the source; paraphrase that quotation, summarize the source, and cite it accurately.
Why This Matters
These assignments help you build the research judgment you’ll need almost daily in your professional career. Being able to locate rock-solid statistics, quickly check genAI content for hallucinations, and judge between two competing claims? Vital.
As a bonus, you’ll get a boost on your business article research.
Watch this Video
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Read the Textbook Chapter
Search effectively using both surface and deep web tools to locate credible primary and secondary sources for business contexts.
Evaluate the credibility of sources using the SIFT method, identifying misinformation, bias, and shallow coverage.
Use generative AI tools responsibly in the research process, recognizing their strengths for idea generation and summarization—and their limitations in accuracy and credibility.
Integrate evidence into business messages by introducing, inserting, and interpreting quotes, data, and summaries ethically and clearly.
Cite sources appropriately for professional business formats such as slide decks, white papers, and reports—avoiding both plagiarism and AI-related ethical missteps.
Develop research habits that enhance personal and professional credibility, recognizing that the quality of one’s information reflects one’s trustworthiness.
This lesson aligns with the following BYU Advanced Written and Oral Communication outcomes:
2. Academic Research
Strong alignment
Teaches students how to use research tools like library databases (deep web) and evaluate source credibility.
Reinforces ethical source use, proper citation, and avoidance of plagiarism, including AI output disclosure.
Integrates the SIFT method and tiered source evaluation to guide students in discerning and deploying trustworthy evidence.
3. Writing Processes
Strong alignment
Supports key processes: finding and synthesizing evidence, integrating sources clearly and persuasively, and revising AI-assisted drafts with human oversight.
Promotes habits of inquiry and critical thinking within the business discourse community.
5. Knowledge of Conventions
Moderate alignment
Highlights documentation formats (APA, CMS, in-slide citation, endnotes) specific to business communication.
Provides instruction on integrating and signaling evidence in visual and written formats (white papers, slide decks).
Mission Alignment
Strong alignment
Encourages students to become lifelong learners who seek truth through rigorous research and sound information.
Emphasizes intellectual integrity and ethical reasoning in gathering and using information—essential for leaders of character.
Vision Alignment
Strong alignment
Christlike leadership requires truth-seeking, discernment, and accountability. This lesson promotes those attributes through careful evaluation of sources, ethical citation, and responsible AI use.
Equips students to lead with credibility, wisdom, and transparency—tools that transform organizations and communities for good.
Values Alignment
Integrity in Action Core focus on truth, trust, and honesty in research practices.
Excellence Reinforces discipline in sourcing, evaluating, and integrating evidence.
Student-Centered Statement
This lesson empowers students with critical information literacy skills that support their long-term academic and professional success. It puts students at the center by teaching them how to distinguish trustworthy sources, use AI responsibly, and avoid plagiarism—ensuring they are prepared to contribute with credibility and confidence in any environment. It treats students as responsible agents in the pursuit of truth.