Doing Research Part I: How to Find Information That Helps You Say What You Want To Say A Presentation Created to Foster Student Success in Research Dr. Colin Marlaire Assistant Professor, Arts and Humanities College of Letters and Sciences Revised by Ryan Blanck, MA English Teacher Village Christian Schools
Types of Sources Physical documents Books, magazines, etc. obtained at a library (you should be comfortable with this type of research). E-books Materials found on a research database Information found on the Web
E-Books E-book databases often require a subscription service, but free ones can be found online.
Databases Databases contain scholarly articles that are often viewed as the most reliable sources. Databases can typically be accessed through public or college libraries. Useful databases include: Proquest, ERIC, and Ebsco. Ask a librarian for help in accessing these databases. Use the Ebsco database search under the online resources link on the VCS webpage.
Why go through all the trouble of accessing these databases when it is so easy to run a Google search (or some other internet search engine)???
The research databases, on the other hand, are paid to filter the information for you this saves you time as you do your research. Instead of going through 100,000 sources (when only 1% is appropriate for academia), the database will give you 100 sources (most of which, potentially, could be used in a college level paper). The answer lies in filtering Google does not filter for you this means you get a lot of information that is of absolutely no use commercial sites, primary school book reports, even sites run in different languages you have to filter through all of these to get the information.
Sometimes, however, there is good information on the web. There are sites devoted to various literary fields (and run by academic institutions) and there are times when we want to include a non-professional perspective.
Research on the Web There is a wealth of information on the internet, the problem is it can be hard to find, or it may not all be reliable. Be sure to verify the accuracy of any information found on the web. Remember, the more credible the source, the more credible your essay will be. Visit this site as a good starting point in your research: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/558/01/
Boolean Searches Why? Boolean searches are constructed to make it easier for us to find the types of sources we will actually use Instead of sifting through a list that has a great many sources with little to do with our research we work to construct a set of search parameters specifically suited to our approach. It is important to make a list of terms associated with our specific topic, as well as various types of terms and ideas connected to our topic that we will not address in our work.
Boolean Searches. The WHAT What & How? From the Durham University Library Website
Using Boolean Logic with Search Terms Dickens or Scrooge (returns anything associated with Dickens and anything associated with Scrooge) Dickens and Scrooge (returns only those sources that discuss images of Scrooge in the work of Dickens) Dickens not Scrooge (returns only those sources discussing other Dickensian characters)
Part II: Everything You Wanted to Know About MLA But Were Afraid To Ask
The Modern Language Association This is an organization of Educators and others connected to the educational field. Among other tasks, it created and maintains a list of rules that govern the appearance of written documents (and more importantly) rules that govern how one goes about using the works of others in one s own work (outside sources). This task was motivated by a need to create a generalized set of rules so that anyone could read a work and know exactly where to go for more information (the purpose of academic writing is shared learning therefore, knowing exactly where you got your information will help those who share your interests). It is also important to know that MLA is not the only generalized set of rules. Another format, first created by the American Psychological Association (APA-style) looks much different it is used mainly in the sciences while MLA is found in much of the Humanities.* Warning: This means that you must make sure which format you are expected to use. Also, when using a manual/guide to citation, make sure it is for MLA (as you could do a completely perfect APA cited work and it would be completely wrong).
MLA: The Basics First, no matter what type of citation format you are using, it is profoundly important to write down ALL THE CITATION INFORMATION FOR A SOURCE YOU ARE EXAMINING keep a log/ make copies, do whatever it takes. Why??? You cannot use an outside source if you do not have the citation information. It is frustratingly difficult to go back and find a source (it is near-impossible to find a specific quote) that you used (trust me, I know from experience).
MLA: The Basics What Gets Cited You must cite any information found in a specific source that plays a recognizable role in your work. Notice, this does not pertain only to information you directly quote even materials that you translate into your own voice need to be cited (this is known as a paraphrase). The only exception is when the information an author discusses is considered to be a piece of general knowledge.
MLA: The Basics What Gets Cited Examples. Quotes/ideas from the Author The reality of his fictions is to be found not in Scott himself, but in the world and the characters he observed (Wilson 167). Numerical data According to the US Census Bureau, the current world population stands at 6,484,677,193. Quotes Quoted by the Author The author discusses Marjorie Levinson s depiction of the subjective eye- the individual I constituted by its field of vision (qtd. in Labbe 17). Graphs, photos, charts, drawings
MLA: The Basics Why it gets cited Despite what some students say, the rigidity and strictness of Citation Guidelines is not merely motivated by cruelty. Academia is an industry whose product is ideas We spend a great deal of time creating works they therefore reflect a considerable amount of energy and effort (much like a painter s painting, or craftsperson s creation). It is for that reason that citation becomes so important it allows others to follow your discoveries and participate in the path of analysis you lay out, and it acknowledges the intrinsic value of the works on which you build your ideas.
MLA: The Basics MLA is concerned with, and offers rules for, three components of a research paper. General Format. Citing Specific Information within the Paper. Assembling a Works Cited.
General Format. Type your paper or write it on a computer and print it out on standard-sized paper (8.5 X 11 inches). Double-space your paper. Set the margins of your document to 1 inch on all sides. Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. Use underlining for the name of books throughout your paper and in the Works Cited. From the University of Iowa Writing Center
General Format First Page Do not make a title page for your paper unless specifically requested. Provide a double-spaced heading in the top left corner of the first page that lists your name, your instructor's name, the course, and the date. Center your title on the line below the heading with your name, and begin your paper immediately below the title. From the University of Iowa Writing Center
Citing Specific Information within the Paper. There are two ways in which you can use information from a source paraphrasing the information directly quoting the source
Citing Specific Information within the Paper. paraphrasing the information when you paraphrase the information, you restate the evidence in your own voice (the restatement must look substantially different from the original). Also, even though you have used your own voice, you must still provide a parenthetical citation (will be explained shortly).
Why Paraphrase? If you have to go through the trouble of citing it (same as a quote) why take the time to paraphrase? The answer lies in voice. As the author of the paper, you want to convey to your audience the sense that you (and not your sources) are in control of the ideas, structure, development of the work. Even though a paraphrase represents a moment when your source is offering guidance, by putting their ideas in your voice you still appear in control.
Citing Specific Information within the Paper. directly quoting the source Why then would I ever directly quote? When I am using numerical data and other information so precise or technical that I cannot restate it effectively. When a source describes something so succinctly and perfectly that it shouldn t be translated When the source has an inherent presence/power/reliability that I wish to use to strengthen my point. For example, when I invoke the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Understanding the Modern Language Style The underlying purpose of MLA-Style is to maintain a smooth writing and reading experience Its goal is to minimize the amount of bibliographic information in the paper itself and merely provide a brief signal for where to go in the Works Cited. This can be contrasted with other types of citation styles which provide all of the citation information when the evidence is used (more focused on the product as a tool for research than as a literary work in itself)
Understanding the Modern Language Style You therefore use the smallest amount of information possible that will clearly point to one, and only one, source in your Works Cited.
Understanding the Modern Language Style *This leads to a common error no matter how brief your discussion of another source, you must again provide all citation information for the source you have been regularly using. Since the majority of your sources are alphabetized in your Works Cited by the last name of the author that is what you use. Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263). It is not, however, necessary to be redundant, so if you provide the necessary citation information in your introduction to the quote then it need not be repeated in the parenthetical citation (p.c.). Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263). This same rule applies to occasions where you repeatedly refer to the same work If there is no additional information in the p.c. (merely a page number) the assumption is that the quote/paraphrase comes from the same source as the previous quotes.* And can be applied to paraphrases Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263). Examples From the University of Iowa Writing Center
Understanding the Modern Language Style If there is no author, then you provide the title or other information by which it is alphabetized in the Works Cited. An anonymous Wordsworth critic once argued that his poems were too emotional ("Wordsworth Is A Loser" 100). You would also see additional information in the p.c. if you used multiple works by the same author. Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth Preface to the Lyrical Ballads 263). Examples From the University of Iowa Writing Center
Two Types of Quotations The Short Quotation Fewer than four lines of quotation mark off the quote a p.c. (usually author<space>page) followed by whatever necessary punctuation. The only exception in terms of punctuation is? or! (as these affect the meaning to the quote). According to some, dreams express "profound aspects of personality" (Foulkes 184), though others disagree. According to Foulkes's study, dreams may express "profound aspects of personality" (184). Examples From the University of Iowa Writing Center
Two Types of Quotations W The Long Quotation (known as a block quote) hy such a marked difference as this presentation has already said, MLA is constructed to ensure that the author s voice is as smooth and strong as possible. A quote of more than four lines clearly represents a place where your author is particularly weak. This format for quotes of that size forces the author to acknowledge the length of the quote, and surround that outside voice with their own (as you introduce and move from the source). Four lines of quotation or more Nelly Dean treats Heathcliff poorly and dehumanizes him throughout her narration: They entirely refused to have it in bed with them, or even in their room, and I had no more sense, so, I put it on the landing of the stairs, hoping it would be gone on the morrow. By chance, or else attracted by hearing his voice, it crept to Mr. Earnshaw's door, and there he found it on quitting his chamber. Inquiries were made as to how it got there; I was obliged to confess, and in recompense for my cowardice and inhumanity was sent out of the house. (Brontë 78) Nelly clearly serves as one of the figures that creates an environment so diseased that the darkness is inevitable. Notice the considerable differences No quotation marks, the entire quote is indented an extra.5 inches, punctuation comes before the p.c. and your voice starts on the next line (this is why it is known as a block quote it stands apart visually). Subtle Hint: All this extra work has a meaning you shouldn t have to do many of these block quotes. Examples From the University of Iowa Writing Center
If you need to edit the quote There are two ways you can edit a source either way, the inclusion is marked by brackets [ ]. First, you can add information to better fit an excerpted quote to your writing (or fill gaps created by taking it out of its context). Jan Harold Brunvand, in an essay on urban legends, states: "some individuals [who retell urban legends] make a point of learning every rumor or tale" (78). Or you can use ellipses to signal that you have omitted unnecessary parts of the quote. Note, if you use ellipses, you cannot omit anything that might have changed the meaning of the quote. In an essay on urban legends, Jan Harold Brunvand notes that "some individuals make a point of learning every recent rumor or tale [...] and in a short time a lively exchange of details occurs" (78). Examples From the University of Iowa Writing Center
Assembling a Works Cited. Waning, students often create a Works Cited as a separate document if you do so you must make sure the page number matches. The Works Cited is Separated from the Body of the Paper (begin as a new page). The caption is Works Cited (same size font, no bold, no underline) centered at the top. Then you begin with an alphabetical list of sources. Note, the Works Cited continues the pagination of the paper.
What goes in a Works Cited. Common Mistake: Students often omit the primary source from the Works Cited (forgetting to include the Bible in a seminar paper on the Bible). Any source that you use in the development of your ideas and the construction of your paper. Note, this means that it is possible to have a source that is not explicitly mentioned in the body of the paper HOWEVER, the influence that source had on your paper in terms of providing threads for further research or larger ideas and concepts, should be readily identifiable It is a really bad idea to simply throw sources into your Works Cited to make it larger most instructors can readily spot such an act.» In most cases, you might have one source that fulfills this category but not often.
FOR BOOKS At last the Works Cited Author, title, year of publication, place of publication, and publisher Ackerman, Diane. A Natural History of the Senses. New York: Random House, 1990. Dahl, Robert A., and Edward R. Tufte. Size and Democracy. Stanford: Stanford UP, 1973. For four or more authors Peterson, Marvin W., et al. Black Students on White Campuses: the Impacts of Increased Black Enrollments. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, 1978. Two or more works by the same author --- indicates that the author is the same as the preceding entry. Arrange alphabetically by title. Jameson, Fredric. "The End of Temporality." Critical Inquiry 29(2003): 695-718. ---. Seeds of Time. New York: Columbia UP, 1994. From the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire s Library Research Guide
FOR ANTHOLOGIES At last the Works Cited Quoting an Editor of an Anthology Editor(s), title, year of publication, place of publication, and publisher Kaplan, E. Ann, ed. Women in Film Noir. London: BFI, 1980. NOTICE, AN ANTHOLOGY LOOKS FAR DIFFERENT IF YOU ARE QUOTING ONE OF THE AUTHORS IN THE COLLECTION (NOT THE EDITOR) Key components: Author(s), title of work, editors of collection, title of collection, year of publication, place of publication, publisher, and page number(s) Mercer, Kobena. "Monster Metaphors: Notes on Michael Jackson's Thriller." Sound and Vision: the Music Video Reader. Ed. Simon Frith, Andrew Goodwin, and Lawrence Grossberg. New York: Routledge, 1993. 93-108. A Corporate Author American Civil Liberties Union. Why President Richard Nixon Should Be Impeached. Washington: Public Affairs, 1973. From the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire s Library Research
FOR OTHER SOURCES At last the Works Cited Government Sources Government, agency, title, place of publication, and publisher, year of publication United States. Dept. of State. Economic and Technical Assistance: Agreement Between the United States of America and Hungary.Washington: GPO, 1996. A Corporate Author American Civil Liberties Union. Why President Richard Nixon Should Be Impeached. Washington: Public Affairs, 1973. From the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire s Library Research Guide
FOR MAGAZINES/ NEWSPAPERS & REFERENCE At last the Works Cited Key components: Author(s), title of article, name of publication, date of publication, volume, edition (newspaper)and page number(s) Magazine: Ehrenreich, B. "Libation as Liberation?" Time 1 April 2002: 62. OR (if a journal organized by section/issue instead of date) Eley, Thalia C., et al. "A Twin Study of Anxiety-related Behaviours in Pre-school Children." Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry & Allied Disciplines 44:1 (2003): 945-961. Newspaper: Pate, Kelly. "Welfare Caseload Up; Fewer Comply With Work Rules." The Denver Post 22 Aug. 2003, Final ed.:c-01. Reference: Heidler, David S. and Jeanne T. Heidler. "Orphan Brigade: Confederate Kentucky Troops." Encyclopedia of the American Civil War: a Political, Social, and Military History. Ed. Heidler, David S. and Jeanne T. Heidler. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2000. From the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire s Library Research Guide
FOR INTERNET At last the Works Cited Key components: Title of site, name of editor (if known), date of publication (if known), edition (if known), sponsoring organization (if known), date accessed/retrieved by you, URL. Marxists Internet Archive. 2003. Marxists Internet Archive. 15 Aug. 2003 <http://www.marxists.org/>. An article found on-line (first date is the date the article was published) Coleman, Brooks. "Crawling Hand." The Robot Group. 6 Nov. 2001. The Robot Group. 13 October 2003 <http://www.robotgroup.org/>. From the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire s Library Research Guide
FOR INTERNET At last the Works Cited Key components: Title of site, name of editor (if known), date of publication (if known), edition (if known), sponsoring organization (if known), date accessed/retrieved by you, URL. Article published through the Internet Kirk, John. "Shooting Soldiers: Civil War Medical Images, Memory, and Identity in America." Invisible Culture: An Electronic Journal for Visual Culture 5 (2003). 15 Oct. 2003 <http://www.rochester.edu/in_visible_culture/issue%205/ ConnorRhode/ConnorRhode.html> Article found on an online database (such as Proquest). Jaffe, Audrey. Spectacular Sympathy: Visuality and Ideology in Dickens s A Christmas Carol. Publications of the Modern Language Association Mar 1994: 254-. Proquest. Proquest On-Line Research. National University Library, National University. 5 Sept 2005 <http://proquest.umi.com>. From the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire s Library Research Guide
A Picture of a Works Cited Page
At last THE END Note There are a great many more types of sources (interviews, films, the Bible, etc. etc). More information can be found at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/. Visit this site for help in all aspects of writing your essay. In case you missed it, the website is: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/