Monday, March 5, 2012

Overview of Research Tools, Sources, & Pitfalls!

Exploring Research Tools & Sources:
  • Google News, Google Scholar
  • Reliable Databases vs. Internet Search
  • Los Angeles Public Library
  • Interviews
  • BCCHS Library
Sample Websites:
  1. AIDS Facts from University of Santa Anita (How can AIDS be prevented?)
  2. Technologies of World War I (What technologies were used in warfare during WWI?)
  3. Social Contract Theory (What is the "Social Contract Theory of Government"?)
Evaluating Websites (for credibility, validity, reliability, etc.)
http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/evalcrit.htm
  • Authority
  • Accuracy
  • Objectivity
  • Currency

Googling like a Rock Star
Interviews
Don't limit your research to the printed word -- Talk to a real person!
Depending on your research topic, you could interview a doctor, a teacher, a student, a family member, a priest, a janitor, a waiter, a social worker, etc.  (You'll need to cite the information you get from the interview just as you cite a book, newspaper, or website.)


Los Angeles Public Library
  • Click here to search for BOOKS in the Los Angeles Public Library.
  • If you have an LA Public Library card, you can click here, and then try these one of their databases, such as:
    • Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Gale) - articles and essays about controversial issues
    • ProQuest Newstand - Full text of over 300 U.S. and International news sources, including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, New York Times
    • World Book Encyclopedia
  • Go to a public library near you.  Make sure to ask a librarian for help! 
BCCHS Library


More on the web:
Health Statistics:
http://library.csun.edu/ResearchAssistance/SubjectGuides
CSUN Library's List of  Subject Guides
UC Santa Barbara's list of
Free Publicly-Accessible Databases



Wiki Answers Gone Wrong! 


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