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Why Do Research?
Find information about a topic.Develop a perspective on the material based on what you already knew and what you’ve learned.Present your findings in a new form.
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Why is research tough?
No “right answer”Decisions, decisions, decisions
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Step 1: Understand the assignment.
What to know: – Due date(s)– How to submit the finished product– Type and number of sources– Required length– Purpose of the assignment– Etc.
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Step 2: Choose a topic.
Find a topic that interests you, but don’t get stuck here. Push yourself to get started. If you’re stuck, read!
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Step 2: Choose a topic.
Make sure your topic is not too broad or too narrow for the assignment.– Most people think too big.
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Step 3: Write research questions.
Write down your topic.Write every question that you need to answer to complete the assignment.Be specific.
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Step 3: Write research questions.
Some examples from different topics: – How much does the average attorney
make? – How many tourists per year come to
Costa Rica? – Who invented fondant?
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Step 4: Decide what kinds of resources you’re going to use.
Under each question, write down what kind of resource you think will help you best answer the question. Be open-minded!Remember, more search terms = Fewer results
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Step 4: Decide what kinds of resources you’re going to use.
Tip: The source has to prove itself to you, not the other way around.
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Step 4: Decide what kinds of resources you’re going to use.
Evaluating sources: – Can I understand this? – Can I navigate through it using
headings, indexes, or tables of contents?– Will it provide answers to my
research questions?
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Step 5: Search for booksVisit the library catalog at http://libdb.sullivan.edu and use the Search function. Enter a search term.If you get no results, think fewer, broader topics. Don’t add more search terms.
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Step 5: Search for books
Tip: Look next to the book on the shelf to see if you find any other books on the same topic.
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Step 6: Search for articles in databases
In any database, look for a place to enter your search terms. Enter your search term or terms.Remember to try synonyms.
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Step 6: Search for articles in databases
Database searching features: – Suggested topics– Full text– Abstracts
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Step 7: Search for Internet sources
CurrencyReliabilityRemember that the Internet can’t provide everything!
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Step 8: Start reading
Use the index and contents.Scan, then read. Use Post-It notes in books and written notes in articles to make notes. Photocopy title pages and necessary information.
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Step 9: Answer your research questions
Enter answers and sources into your page of research questions. Remember to mark quotes.
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Step 10: Start writing
Consider using your research questions pages as an outline. Keep your sources close. Remember that there may be no right answer, only an answer you can defend.
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Step 10: Start writing
Develop your own voice. – Have an opinion– Argue your case– Support your conclusions with your
research
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Your friendly librarian
What a librarian can do for you: – Recommend a database– Teach you to use a database– Troubleshoot searching problems– Suggest topic changes– Provide APA information– Help you find books