Basic Research Skills

Basic Research Skills

Types of Material Journals Magazines Newspapers Reference sources Websites Databases

Periodicals Journal Magazine Newspaper Length Fairly Long: 6-20 pgs Fairly Short:1-5 pgs Fairly Short: 1-2 pgs Language Used Technical, scholarly Not technical, general, written that a non expert can understand General, short sentences, to the point Structure Divided into research sections: abstract, results, conclusions No specific structure followed No specific structure followed References List of references appear at the end of the article List of references rarely included, sources may be mentioned in article References are almost never included but might be mentioned in article Author Info Name is almost always listed; credentials (degrees, schools, companies) Appear at the beginning, sometimes more than one author Name or credentials may or may not be listed and usually only one author Brief articles the author is usually not named. When author is listed credentials are rarely provided

Reference/Sources Reference Sources: Are tools that are used to find information quickly and efficiently. Types of Reference Sources: Encyclopedia Dictionary Thesaurus Almanac Atlas

Library Catalog What is a library catalog? All of the resources found in a library OPAC Saraland High School What is found in the library catalog? Books Newspapers Magazines Videos

On-line Library Catalog SHS Library Catalog http://saralandboe.booksys.net/opac/shs/

Old vs. New Catalog

Alabama Virtual Library is an online resource that is paid for by the tax payers of Alabama! It s FREE www.avl.lib.al.us What kind of resources? Online Encyclopedias Online Dictionaries Online Subject Databases: MedlinePlus, Biography, History, Career, Business, Literature Mega Search Databases: Student Research Center, Gale, EBSCO Host

Websites: Reliable or Not? Reliable Internet Sources Web addresses ending in.edu or.gov (anyone can purchase.com,.net,.org) Author is listed and is an experienced person in the field they are discussing (would you go see an automechanic about your broken leg?) Publisher is a reputable source References listed: where their information came from. Copyright date Neutral standing with the topic Not Reliable Internet Sources Commercial site with advertisements and/or social network links Anonymous authors No links or references Site is bias toward one side or another (Is the author trying to sway your opinion?) No copyright date No publisher

Citations Whenever a source is used and words are taken from it to go along with other information, the source MUST be cited!!!! If a source is not cited and words are taken from it, it is plagiarism! Two types of formats used: MLA APA (It is the preference of the teacher which format is used for the paper.)

Citations Continued MLA - Modern Language Association - most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. - Guidelines to follow for citing and writing paper: http://owl.english.purdue.e du/owl/resource/747/01/ - Used mostly in high school APA - American Psychological Association - most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. - Used mostly in college and graduate school

OWL and Son of Citation Online Writing Lab http://owl.english.purdu e.edu/ This site gives basic layout of format for each sources needing to be cited with examples. Look at right side of main page to find format guide This is the most reliable site to use for citations for a paper. Son of Citation http://citationmachine.net /index2.php This site can be used to generate a citation by filling in the blanks. It does not help choose a source and does not correct spelling, what you type will generate in the citation. BE CAREFUL, CHECK YOUR WORK!!!

Plagiarism *Cheating is any form of copying or receiving unauthorized assistance on an exam, paper (essay), homework or other assignment. *Plagiarism means to represent the words, language, ideas, or thoughts of another person as one s own or original work. *turnitin.com ALWAYS GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE!!

Librarians A librarian is a resource Information can be gained for school through a librarians help, she can help find the right book or resource for you. Best practice is to try and find the information yourself first, then ask for help. The librarian can better answer questions if you know what you need help with specifically.

Any Questions? Remember that WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU! All you have to do is ask..