ANTH 215 (Fantastic Archaeology: Ancient Astronauts, Shape Shifters and Bigfoot!): Cryptids

Library research is an essential part of any academic investigation, allowing scholars to explore a wide range of sources and build a strong foundation for their research. However, when it comes to cryptid creatures, or animals that have yet to be proven to exist, library research presents several unique challenges. 

The first challenge in conducting library research on cryptid creatures is the lack of established literature on the subject. Unlike established fields of study, such as biology or ecology, which have decades or even centuries of research and literature, cryptid creatures are a relatively new and emerging topic. Therefore, it can be difficult to find relevant sources that provide an in-depth analysis of these creatures. Moreover, many of the existing sources on cryptids are often speculative and sensationalistic, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction.

The second challenge of library research on cryptid creatures is the lack of credible primary sources. Unlike more established areas of research, there are few primary sources available for cryptids, as these creatures are often based on eyewitness accounts or anecdotal evidence rather than scientific data. This lack of credible primary sources makes it difficult to verify the existence of cryptids or to build a compelling case for their study.

The third challenge in conducting library research on cryptid creatures is the lack of consensus among scholars. Because cryptids are not an established field of study, there is often a lack of agreement among scholars regarding the existence or nature of these creatures. Some scholars view cryptids as hoaxes or mythical creatures, while others believe that they are a legitimate field of study. This lack of consensus can make it difficult to navigate the available literature on the subject.

The fourth challenge in conducting library research on cryptid creatures is the potential for bias. Cryptozoologists or other enthusiasts with a vested interest in promoting the existence of these creatures frequently write about cryptids. This bias can make it challenging to find objective sources and can lead to the proliferation of misinformation.

To overcome these challenges, researchers must adopt a cautious and skeptical approach when conducting library research on cryptids. Researchers must critically evaluate the available sources, scrutinize the credibility of their authors, and verify the accuracy of their claims. One approach is to rely on sources that are peer-reviewed, such as academic journals or books published by reputable academic publishers. These sources are more likely to provide objective and credible information on cryptids.

Another approach is to look for established research on related topics, such as the study of animal behavior, ecology, or zoology, and examine how these established fields of study might inform our understanding of cryptids. This approach can provide a more scientifically rigorous foundation for investigating cryptids and can help to overcome some of the biases and speculations that often dominate the available literature.

In conclusion, conducting library research on cryptid creatures presents several unique challenges, including the lack of established literature and credible primary sources, the lack of consensus among scholars, and the potential for bias. To overcome these challenges, researchers must adopt a skeptical and cautious approach and carefully evaluate the available sources. By doing so, researchers can build a more robust and credible foundation for investigating these enigmatic creatures.

Examples of cryptids include Bigfoot, Yeti, Loch Ness Monster, and the Dover Demon. The list of potential cryptids is huge and there is no shortage of research topics in this field.