02. Research Resources(1)

Research Resources Overview

Week 2 Topics

• Research papers

• Projects

• Assignments

• Discussion forums

Use of Resources

Academic resources are fundamentally essential for credible research and writing, serving as the foundation for developing well-informed arguments and conclusions. Utilizing the right types of resources is crucial to ensure the integrity of scholarly work.

Types of Resources

The various types of resources include:

• Research papers: In-depth analyses presenting original findings.

• Projects: Applications of research that demonstrate practical implementations.

• Assignments: Structured tasks aimed at reinforcing learning objectives.

• Discussion forums: Platforms for interaction and exchange of ideas among students and scholars.

Acceptable Academic Resources

Credible resources are vital to substantiate claims and provide a robust framework for research. They can be categorized as follows:

Credible Resources

• Textbooks: Widely recognized educational materials endorsed by academic institutions.

• Peer-Reviewed Articles: Recent studies rigorously vetted by experts in the relevant field, ensuring high standards of research quality.

• Academic Journals: Periodicals that feature scholarly articles designed for an academic audience, encompassing various disciplines.

• Case Law: Judicial decisions that build legal precedents, essential for understanding statutory or constitutional law.

• Expert-Backed Sources: Information supported by authorities in a specific discipline; often includes reports from professional organizations.

Peer-Reviewed Resources

Peer-reviewed resources refer to scholarly publications subjected to a meticulous evaluation process by fellow experts. These publications are key to maintaining academic integrity and quality. They encompass:

• Scholarly Work: Extensive studies contributing to existing knowledge.

• Original Research: Unique inquiries presenting new data or insights.

• Innovative Ideas: Concepts that revolutionize understandings within academic discussions.

Academic Journals

Definition: Scholarly journals publish articles specifically intended for experts and academics in particular fields.Characteristics:

• Written by experts aimed at other scholars or advanced students.

• Content depth is more specialized than that found in general magazines.

• Available across diverse academic disciplines, enhancing interdisciplinary research opportunities.

Case Law

• Case law emerges from the decisions made in previous court cases, establishing legal principles through judicial interpretations.

• It is crafted by judges and pertains to both statutory law (laws enacted by legislatures) and constitutional law (interpretations of the Constitution).

Unacceptable Resources

While conducting research, it is crucial to avoid certain types of resources which can compromise the quality of work:

• Blogs: Often informal, opinion-based, and lacking peer review, making them unreliable for academic purposes.

• Social Media: Generally lack formal review processes, presenting a risk of disseminating inaccurate or unverified information.

• Wikis: Collaborative platforms that may not maintain accuracy; can provide initial references but should be substantiated with credible sources.

• Outdated Material: Sources that are no longer current may lead to misleading conclusions due to changes in knowledge or legal standards.

Locating Resources

Researching reputable sources necessitates utilizing specific platforms:

• VZ Library: A primary source for original publications across various disciplines.

• Google Scholar: A scholarly search engine that allows users to explore academic literature, helping to locate peer-reviewed articles and citations.

• LIRN Online Library: A major academic database that provides access to a plethora of scholarly resources.

Accessing LIRN Library

To access the LIRN Library:

• Navigate via Blackboard under the "Introductions" module, ensuring you have necessary credentials if prompted.

Navigating LIRN

• Access millions of full-text articles, news releases, book chapters, encyclopedias, e-books, audio resources, and videos available to the academic community.

• Utilize the search bar effectively for finding topic-specific resources quickly.

Searching for an Article

• Input relevant search terms to generate academic results effectively.

• Filter results by:

  • Full Text: To access entire articles rather than snippets.

  • Peer Review: To ensure credibility by confirming articles have undergone expert evaluation.

• Avoid citing from abstracts only as they may not present a comprehensive view of the study.

Accessing Articles

• Click on the article title to view detailed information.

• Look for the "Full Text" option located on the left side of the article page.

• Use the "Cite" button for generating references, ensuring to select the "APA 7th Edition" for proper citation formatting. Additionally, utilize the "Keep Text Only" option for easing citation tasks.

AI in Research

• AI tools, such as ChatGPT, should serve as supplemental resources rather than primary ones for academic research.

• It's important to thoroughly understand and adhere to the institutional AI policy to mitigate plagiarism concerns.

Use of Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

• Dictionaries and encyclopedias should be avoided as citations in academic writing due to their lack of credibility as scholarly resources.

Conclusion

In summary, ensure that all resources utilized for academic research are:

• Reliable: Proven track record for accuracy and integrity.

• Credible: Backed by authoritative sources and expert evaluation.

• Legitimate: Recognized and accepted within the academic community as valid sources for research.