S + M Text, Chapter 3, Part 2

Step-by-Step Research Process

Understanding Sources

  • Links to Non-Traditional Sources:

    • Explore comment threads on platforms like Facebook and MySpace.

    • Recognize the difference between credible information and mere allegations.

    • Use assertion-based resources judiciously.

Academic Libraries and Databases

  • Library Databases Advantages:

    • Academic libraries provide databases like Academic OneFile and Academic Search Complete.

    • They include periodicals, magazines, and peer-reviewed journals for in-depth research.

    • Databases utilize standardized subject headings for effective navigation and search consistency.

Navigation Techniques

  • Single vs. Federated Search:

    • Single database searches allow for utilization of unique features and subject headings.

    • Federated searches involve searching across multiple databases but can dilute the power of specific tools.

  • Advanced Search Options:

    • Use advanced search filters to manage searches efficiently.

    • Avoid combining too many search terms initially which can lead to narrow results.

Word Mining Process

Step 1: Source Exploration

  • Selecting and Analyzing Sources:

    • Identify relevant sources, discarding those that don't contribute to research.

    • Focus on understanding bibliographic records that summarize articles and books concisely.

Step 2: Utilizing Abstracts and Indexes

  • Bibliographic Records Functions:

    • Help distill essence of articles into manageable data.

    • Keywords and phrases aid in navigating relevant content efficiently.

Identifying Subject Headings

  • Using Subject Headings Effectively:

    • Subject headings can provide a clearer path for research, helping combine searches specifically tailored to keywords.

    • Librarians can assist in identifying effective subject terms or descriptors.

Building Literature Reviews

Organization and Structure

  • Understanding Literature Reviews:

    • Literature reviews contextualize research within existing studies.

    • Establish a coherent narrative linking findings and theories.

  • Writing Techniques:

    • Outline a sequence of reasoning based on literature found, using it to support your theory.

    • Each paragraph in the literature review should highlight different aspects but connect towards building a strong narrative.

Evaluating Information Quality

  • Criteria for Evaluation:

    • Assess sources based on authority, objectivity, accuracy, currency, and coverage.

    • Cross-reference different sources to verify claims and balance perspectives.

Importance of Interdisciplinary Approach

  • Cross-Referencing Between Disciplines:

    • Using insights from different fields can enhance the depth of research.

    • Engage with a subject librarian to explore varied resources, especially when facing ambiguity with terms.

Advanced Techniques for Searching

Utilizing Proximity Searches

  • Proximity Searching:

    • Combine keywords effectively by searching for terms that appear close to each other, indicating a potential relationship in content.

    • Use operators like "within" (W) and "near" to refine searches in full-text databases.

Leveraging the Free Web

  • Find Reliable Sources Online:

    • Utilize subject directories and academic-focused search engines to complement library resources.

    • Recognize the invisible web and databases that contain scholarly articles that require specific search techniques for access.

Conclusion

  • Practice Makes Perfect:

    • Engage in regular practice of search techniques and utilize librarian expertise.

    • Adapt and evolve research strategies as necessary, responding to technological changes and resource availability.