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Getting Started: Date your Topic
Getting Started: Date your Topic
As Ms. Shou likes to say, when you first start researching something, it's like going on a first date. You need to get to know your topic so that you have a base of knowledge about it. The best places to get to know your topic are not scholarly sources. This is the time to use Wikipedia, Google, and Encyclopedias. You should verify what you learn across sources. This is broad research, which may lead you down may rabbit holes. That's normal and OK in this phase of researching!
"Don't use Wikipedia!" - Every teacher ever...
Ok but the truth is that Wikipedia is a great starting place for learning the basic facts about your topic. It's honestly very useful. It can point you in the right direction, or give you ideas of things to research further. Definitely check out the very bottom of a wikipedia page to see links to all of the source material that informed the article and the names of contributing authors.
You can certainly use Google to find information about most topics. Tread lightly, though, because googling things cold means you'll need to do a lot of work evaluating the information/websites you find PLUS needless time spent combing through millions of pages of search results.
Google Scholar is also a decent place to look. Many of the articles might be available through JSTOR (DCI has full access) or other databases.
See below for tips/tricks to use when searching google (using quotation marks is a game changer!)
Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias are the reliable, citable, credible version of Wikipedia. (Honestly they're a great place to check that what you learned via Wikipedia is correct). They are considered reference materials, and contain basic background information and facts about a variety of topics.
You can (and should) cite them in your papers/projects, but remember that encyclopedias are purely expository (just facts), so they aren't considered scholarly sources.
Our access is provided via DC Public library. You'll need to click "visit" and enter your library card or DC one card number to get through.
Step Two: Dig in
Step Two: Dig in
Once you have a decent understanding of your topic (you should know the major who, what, where, when facts and details) it's time to find sources authored by experts to learn from. During this stage of research, it's extremely important to keep track of your sources and decide on a system for notetaking.
What are Databases and why do you need them?
Use this Slides template to create digital notecards for research!
Smart Searching
Smart Searching
When you're ready to dig deeper into your topic, it's helpful to create a list of keywords that you can use in varying combination to get search results.
You can also search specific sites or combinations using these google search operators.
Finally, using boolean operators (for google or in research databases) will help narrow your search and help you find specific results.
Using Digital Notecards for Research.mp4Need help with digital notecards? Video here!
Using JSTOR? Check out these two videos to get the most out of the site.
Using JSTOR? Check out these two videos to get the most out of the site.
Step Three: Stay Reflective!
Step Three: Stay Reflective!
Research is meant to be an iterative process (one that you do over and over again). Don't be discouraged if you have to go back and find new sources or different information -that's usually a sign that you're doing the right thing!
Ask yourself these question as you go. Research is meant to be an iterative process (actions that are repeated over and over again!)
Ask yourself these question as you go. Research is meant to be an iterative process (actions that are repeated over and over again!)
- What information is the same across these sources?
- What information is contradictory across these sources?
- What information is missing?
- What do I still need to find out?
- What are some big ideas/takeaways that I am left with after all of this reflection?
- What is my thesis?
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