Research Project Assignment
For this assignment, you are asked to find one primary research article that was published in the last 5 years.
But how do we find articles using Barber Library resources?
Let's start on the homepage and click Articles & More or Resources By Subject.
But how do we find articles using Barber Library resources?
Let's start on the homepage and click Articles & More or Resources By Subject.
So that's where the articles are, but what type of articles are we looking for? What is primary research?
Generally, primary research can be defined as any research that involves collecting data. You might use surveys, interviews, observations, a laboratory--however it's done if it's original, it's primary research!
Some things to look for when recognizing primary research in the wild:
Generally, primary research can be defined as any research that involves collecting data. You might use surveys, interviews, observations, a laboratory--however it's done if it's original, it's primary research!
Some things to look for when recognizing primary research in the wild:
- Look for section headings like Abstract/Summary, Introduction, Methods, Results, and Conclusion/Discussion;
- If an Abstract section exists, look for words like “this study examines….” or “we did research to find…”;
- The Methods section can be the easiest way to spot a research paper; it describes how the authors set up their study and the subjects of the research;
Let's see if we can identify some primary research!
In the Google Form below, choose Primary or Not Primary if you think this article is/isn't primary research.
In the Google Form below, choose Primary or Not Primary if you think this article is/isn't primary research.
In the Google Form below, choose Primary or Not Primary if you think this article is/isn't primary research.
When we're searching for articles, we already know we're searching for complex information. So that means we get to use complex keywords! If your topic is examining the effects of hGH on muscle development, you can search using both hGH and "muscle development" as your keywords.
Protip: You should avoid combining more than four concepts in one search so that you don't get too specific and narrow your results to 0.
Protip: Avoid using relationship words like effects, pro, con, best practice, negative, positive, etc.
In the Google Form below, identify the topic you chose for this assignment.
Protip: You should avoid combining more than four concepts in one search so that you don't get too specific and narrow your results to 0.
Protip: Avoid using relationship words like effects, pro, con, best practice, negative, positive, etc.
In the Google Form below, identify the topic you chose for this assignment.
We have our keywords, now how do we combine them for a library database? Use advanced search techniques, of course!
Boolean operators: Limit your results using AND, expand your results using OR, eliminate unnecessary results using NOT
Protip: make sure to use all caps when using Boolean operators.
example: (heart disease OR heart attack) AND fish oil NOT exercise
Truncation: If you're looking for a word with plurals or various endings, try using the truncation command *
example: heart disease* will search for results that contain disease and diseases
Phrase Searching: If you want your keywords to appear in a specific order, like a phrase, try using quotation marks ""
example: "heart disease"
Title Searches: Too many results? Using the drop-down menu next to the search bar, limit your search keywords to only appearing in article titles.
Boolean operators: Limit your results using AND, expand your results using OR, eliminate unnecessary results using NOT
Protip: make sure to use all caps when using Boolean operators.
example: (heart disease OR heart attack) AND fish oil NOT exercise
Truncation: If you're looking for a word with plurals or various endings, try using the truncation command *
example: heart disease* will search for results that contain disease and diseases
Phrase Searching: If you want your keywords to appear in a specific order, like a phrase, try using quotation marks ""
example: "heart disease"
Title Searches: Too many results? Using the drop-down menu next to the search bar, limit your search keywords to only appearing in article titles.
Sometimes you find the perfect article, but the full text isn't immediately available. Fear not! All you need to do is request it from another library using Interlibrary Loan.
The first thing you want to do is create an Interlibrary Loan account. I know, I know, not another account! But you won't have to think of a new username or password, it's the same as your network log in!
Let's walk through an example using this article.
The first thing you want to do is create an Interlibrary Loan account. I know, I know, not another account! But you won't have to think of a new username or password, it's the same as your network log in!
Let's walk through an example using this article.
Let's start searching! Here are some recommended databases to get you started:
Protip: You might notice that all the above databases look exactly the same. That's because they are operated by the same company! The good news for you is that means you can conduct one search in multiple databases at the same time! Simply click Choose Databases above the search bar, make your selection, and click OK.
Protip: You might notice that all the above databases look exactly the same. That's because they are operated by the same company! The good news for you is that means you can conduct one search in multiple databases at the same time! Simply click Choose Databases above the search bar, make your selection, and click OK.
Protip: We know how to find primary research, but sometimes our search results get clogged with other types of articles. When using Barber Library resources, you have a shortcut to eliminating these irrelevant results.
After conducting your search, look for the Source Types filter to limit your results to only Academic Journals. It won't be a guarantee you're looking at primary research, but it prevents newspaper and magazine articles from sneaking in! |
I know that there's a lot of information here, and you might still have questions, even after this session. That's what librarians are for! You can always contact me, but there are also several other options for you to contact any Barber Library librarian.
Just look for this icon or go directly to the Need Help? page under Quick Links and you'll be connected to someone who can help you come up with keywords, cite your sources, choose databases, and help with your general library needs!
Just look for this icon or go directly to the Need Help? page under Quick Links and you'll be connected to someone who can help you come up with keywords, cite your sources, choose databases, and help with your general library needs!