1. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 1 Nova Scotia Community College Library Services The Research Process- Part One: Getting Started! Facilitator:

2. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 2 Objectives of this Workshop Acquaint/re-acquaint learners with the research process Introduce information sources required in the research process Establish a “research portfolio” to facilitate a research project

3. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 3 What is research? Research means that you don't know, but are willing to find out. - Charles F. Kettering If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? - Albert Einstein Basically – a process – analyze a topic to prove a hypothesis; is a series of “steps”

4. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 4 How to Start Clarify assignment/research paper with instructor Time management Generate ideas Complete a summary Conduct preliminary research on topic Create a research portfolio Consult with library staff

5. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 5 Step 1 - Define/Clarify the Topic Choose a familiar topic Choose an interesting topic Be aware of any strong beliefs or prejudices you may hold

6. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 6 Step 1 – Choosing a Topic, cont’d Watterson, B. (1992). The indispensable Calvin and Hobbes: a Calvin and Hobbes treasury. Kansas City: Andrews and McMeel.

7. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 7 Step 2 - Narrow or Focus Your Topic Beware of too much information - Topic is too broad Beware of not enough information - Topic is too narrow

8. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 8 Step 3 - Formulate Your Topic Articulate the specific research question, a “thesis statement” State a specific claim about the paper Analysis will be supported with evidence Paper is devoted to explanation of claim

9. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 9 Step 4 - Literature Search Most lengthy step in the research process Take the time to: –Familiarize yourself with literature on topic –Look at information in a variety of formats (books, journals, databases, internet…) –Evaluate information you find - be critical! –Consult library staff for assistance

10. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 10 Step 4 - Literature Search Watterson, B. (1992). The indispensable Calvin and Hobbes: a Calvin and Hobbes treasury. Kansas City: Andrews and McMeel.

11. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 11 Step 4 - Literature Search A brief word on the Internet as a resource for research: “Trying to find information on the Web is like walking into a library after an earthquake, with the books strewn all over the floor.” - Debra Jones, Exploring the Internet Using Critical Thinking Skills "Doing research on the Web is like using a library assembled piecemeal by pack rats and vandalized nightly." - Roger Ebert (Yahoo! Internet Life column, Sept. 1998, p. 66)

12. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 12 Step 4 - Literature Search A brief word on the Internet as a resource for research: “ I worry more about poor quality of information online, and students' lack of skills for evaluating information, than I worry about frequently discussed evils like pornography.” - University of Washington Internet researcher Malcom Parks (Quoted in Newsweek, 10 May ‘99, p.48)

13. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 13 Step 4 - Literature Search And in defense of Library resources… "Actually, I just looked in the phone book, but the Web sounds so cool." - (Daria episode, line spoken by the character Jane Lane) My guess is (it will be) about 300 years until computers are as good as, say, your local reference library in search. - Craig Silverstein, director of technology, Google.com

14. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 14 Step 5 - Read/Evaluate Information Make notes Highlight information Cluster information into organized units Maintain a working bibliography

15. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 15 How to Document Sources Three international & most widely used styles of documenting sources - APA, MLA, Chicago –MLA - Modern Language Association of America –APA - used in sciences & social sciences –MLA & Chicago - used in arts & humanities Find an easy to read “how to” on the Library’s website (www.library.nscc.ca) under the heading “I Want To… Compile a Bibliography”

16. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 16 Final Tips & Tricks Give yourself TIME Plan it out… i.e. See “The Big6 Research Paper Organizer” Don’t panic! Read, read, read, and read some more –Be CRITICAL! Make note of every source you use so you can – find it again if you need to… –easily compile your bibliography Use all resources available to you! Instructor, librarian, electronic and print resources Proofread before submitting: Use evaluation/feedback forms to help…