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What is Academic Research?
What is Academic Research?
Academic research is a careful and organized method of finding new information or understanding a topic better. People conduct academic research to answer questions, solve problems, or learn about something in detail. Researchers—usually students, teachers, or scientists—collect facts, read books and articles, perform experiments, or gather data to discover new knowledge.
The goal is to learn about a topic and share facts that others can trust. Academic research follows specific steps to make sure the information is accurate and reliable. Important research steps often include:
Choosing a question or topic to study.
Looking for information from books, articles, or experiments.
Collecting and analyzing data or evidence.
Formulating conclusions or arguments based on the evidence.
Collecting source titles and authors for a works cited or bibliography page.
Sharing research results through essays, reports, or presentations.
Example of a Research Database
Sources for Research
Sources for Research
Books: Many books found in the school library, public library, or online libraries (eBooks) can be considered useful for academic research. Typically books found in libraries for academic research are found within the non-fiction sections.
Academic Research Databases: Collections of articles and sources that have been reviewed by experts. These are typically free or paid websites that provide content that is considered trustworthy, accurate, and sometimes "peer-reviewed." Types of sources available can be Scholarly Journals, News Articles, Magazines, and eBooks.
Interviews and Surveys: Interviews are a practical tool for research, especially if a person being interviewed has experienced or lived through something that is related to the research topic. Interviews can typically be considered primary sources, but sometimes secondary source. Surveys are also a highly used tool in academic research and may include survey questions, demographic information, medical trials, and more. Surveys typically focus on specific questions, methods for research, and analysis of results.
All sources used in your research MUST be cited properly to support your arguments and to avoid plagiarism.
Academic Research Databases
Academic Research Databases
ProQuest Central Student is a comprehensive research database for students, offering access to thousands of academic journals, magazines, news reports, and more. Central Student is also used in some Colleges and Universities.
ProQuest eLibrary is a user-friendly general reference tool that provides sources to students as they research a topic. This tool is simpler and designed for students who are in the beginning stages of learning how to do academic research.
Britannica School is for K-12 students and educators. It offers a safe, subscription-based resource with age-appropriate encyclopedia articles, multimedia content, and learning tools.
Britannica Escolar está dirigida a estudiantes y educadores desde jardín de infantes hasta el nivel secundario y ofrece un recurso seguro basado en suscripción con artículos de enciclopedia apropiados para cada edad, contenido multimedia y herramientas de aprendizaje.
ProQuest SIRS Issues Researcher is a database designed to provide multiple perspectives on complex social issues. Including relevant, credible information and tools that equip students to think critically about global controversies.
ProQuest Research Companion is a self-guided online resource designed to help students master the skills needed for university-level research and writing. Think of it as a personal "research coach" that breaks down complex academic projects into manageable steps.
At LAUSD, we have access to GALE Interactive Science and Environmental Studies databases. These databases include full-text research about various topics as well as magazines and multimedia.
Alexander Street is an academic multimedia database that includes resources from various subjects including: theater, performing arts, music, arts, history, social sciences, literature, health, psychology, and more.
Additional Sources
Additional Sources
Los Angeles Public Library Databases - With a LAPL card, or a Student Success Card, you can log into the LAPL databases to find a large variety of information on various topics. At this time, due to a Schoology error the only way to obtain your card number is to use the Account Retrieval Form. If you have any problems with the account number or pin, please ask your school librarian for help. More info from LAPL: https://www.lapl.org/studentsuccess/card. To understand how to obtain your free Student Success Card number through Schoology, you can follow these instructions.
Google Scholar - This resource includes free access to some database material for research, however some search results require logins that are not provided by LAUSD. As a general tip for high school: don't pay for anything to help you study. If you find something on Google Scholar that is asking for a subscription or payment, talk to your teacher or librarian as they may be able to find the resource for free.
LAUSD Digital Library - LAUSD has provided a list of additional free resources on a wide variety of topics. Please consider exploring these additional resources depending on the type of research you are completing.
COMPASS - all students in California have free access to the above databases through COMPASS, which also includes some additional resources not mentioned on our website.
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