Inquizitive: Finding Sources

There are a variety of elements that can help a writer determine if an article is a scholarly source. Drag each of the following elements to the area of the scholarly article below where that element can be found.

1. description of research methods 2. multiple authors who are academics 3. a complete references list

Fill in the blanks to complete the sentence with the appropriate words. When starting a new research project, a writer should first check the assignment to see if the requirements include the use of -Press Space to openprimary sourcessecondary sources, which are original works created by someone with firsthand knowledge of the subject, or -Press Space to openprimary sourcessecondary sources, which are works that interpret or discuss original works.

1. primary sources 2. secondary sources

Complete the following statement. Process for conducting observations: Before observing, you should think about your -Press Space to openpermissionmake notesresearch purposepatterns. If necessary, you should set up an appointment, and ask your subjects' -Press Space to openpermissionmake notesresearch purposepatterns to observe them. While observing, you should divide your notebook pages or document into two columns, and -Press Space to openpermissionmake notesresearch purposepatterns only in the left. After observing, you should use the right column of the notes to fill in additional details. Then you should analyze your notes, looking for -Press Space to openpermissionmake notesresearch purposepatterns.

1. research purpose 2. permission 3. make notes 4. patterns

Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences with the appropriate words. In many college courses, writers are expected to rely primarily on -Press Space to openpopularscholarly sources, which are sources written by experts for knowledgeable readers. In some circumstances, writers may also find it helpful to use -Press Space to openpopularscholarly sources, which are written for a general audience.

1. scholarly 2. popular

A writer is at the beginning of her research process. She knows she is interested in something to do with cell phones and the brain, so she types those keywords into a library database and selects an article that looks interesting. After reading the abstract, she wonders what other articles are available that focus on various sub-topics related to cell phones and the brain. What section or sections should she look to for ideas about alternate keywords?

1. subject-terms 2. author-supplied keywords

A writer is planning to do a research project on the topic of water management, and she finds a book called Thirsty Planet: Strategies for Sustainable Water Management on Amazon that she wants to look through for ideas. She goes to her college's library, but the library does not have the book on its shelves. Her only option is to buy the book herself.

False

If you are good at talking to people, you don't need to prepare before doing interviews or surveys.

False

There is no need to document or save sources found through library databases or internet searches.

False

The types of sources you turn to for your research will depend on your research topic.

True

Consider the following assignment: "Watch a video of a speaker presenting on how to cultivate creativity in children. Write a response to the speaker's discussion, incorporating relevant source material and personal experiences from your own childhood or observations of others." Which steps would be most useful at the beginning of the research process?

Useful Write down ideas and possible research questions and then meet with a research librarian to discuss the best types of sources, search terms, and databases. Search a few library databases using various keywords about creativity and children to get different types of results. Not as useful Type the title of the video into an internet search engine and use the first few articles that appear.