Because published writers have learned to speak with authority, their points and the evidence to support those points (statistics, in particular) may appear to be inarguable, but they are not. In fact, why does an author write a journal article or a book in the first place? He or she wants to contribute to a larger discussion—to support or counter another writer's argument, or, more rarely, to point out something entirely new, which, of course, invites other writers to speak back.

As you move from researching to writing the paper, you will need to develop your own point about your topic (your thesis), as the writers of your sources have done. Documenting and incorporating into your paper those sources which have helped shape your point demonstrates to your reader your integrity, convinces your reader that you have researched the larger discussion around your topic, and provides a route for your reader to learn more.