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

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

3. What’s it cost you?
Money
Time
Grade

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. Three Fronts of Research

8. 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.

9. 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)

10. 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

11. WWW Keyword Searches Narrow by adding terms

12. 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

13. Judge Source Quality

14. 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?

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