When researching and writing your paper, you should use at least one of each of the following types of sources: 1) a primary source; 2) a monograph; 3) an article from an academic journal; 4) a piece from a reputable internet site.
With regard to websites, keep in mind that a website is not reliable simply because it exists on the Internet. If you are not certain about a web site, evaluate the web sites.
Encyclopedias are useful consulting tools, but they should never form the basis of a research paper. Encyclopedias are guides not major sources.
Formatting
Your paper should be double-spaced, with one-inch margins, in 10- or 12-point type.
Include endnotes or footnotes and a bibliography.
Your paper should follow the Chicago style throughout. Instructions on the Chicago style can be found at The Chicago Manual of Style Online or in A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
References
The general rule to keep in mind is that you should avoid using a large number of endnotes/footnotes.
Conversely, whenever you use an idea which is not yours and is not considered common knowledge you should add a footnote or endnote. (Common knowledge: a fact or argument mentioned in multiple sources.)
Also, even if a fact or argument is common knowledge but you want to draw attention to a particular person’s use of it you should use an endnote or footnote.