The Curious Researcher Chapter 2 Ballenger, Bruce The Curious Researcher Chapter 2

Developing a Research Strategy Typical Research Strategy Get the assignment Choose a topic Wait until a few days before the paper is due Madly search the internet Pray

What’s it cost you? Money Time Grade

Here’s what you need. A chronology for the search A method to control the language of your searches Advanced searching techniques Other sources Evaluation skills Note taking methods

vs. The Main Event Google Library 237 of 723 sources 52% actually “pretty good” More up-to-date More balanced Available immediately More accurate 90% available full text 65 % full text Relevant

Sound Research Strategy Find enough information to fully explore a narrowly focused research topic. Find varied sources. Find quality information/

Three Fronts of Research

Search Tactics Index searches: Librarian language Database keyword searches: Database terms with “connectors” - AND, OR, NOT Web keyword searches: String of terms and exact phrases.

1. Librarian Language Index searches, or Keyword searches Library of Congres Subject Headings (LCSH) E.g., Cyberterrorism – Prevention Computer networks – Security measures Computer security – Law and legislation (Click for link)

Database Searches “Boolean Connectors” Use words like: And Not Or And “nest” terms by using brackets. e.g., (Montana OR Idaho) AND animal AND rights AND ethics

WWW Keyword Searches Narrow by adding terms

Primary vs. Secondary Sources Primary: Original words of a writer Likely more accurate and authoritative Include: original literature marketing information, first-hand accounts, observations Secondary: An analysis of somebody else’s work Include: juried journal articles, theatrical reviews

Judge Source Quality

Maximize Internet Search Keep your purpose in mind. Favour government and educational sites Favour authored documents. Favour updated web pages. Favour documented claims. Use multiple search engines. Use people-created directories. Use keywords carefully. In print also?

Guidelines to Evaluate a Book Audience general or specific? Author an acknowledged expert? Is there a bibliography? Did it receive a critical reception?