Ballenger, Bruce

The Curious Researcher

Chapter 2

Developing a Research Strategy

Typical Research Strategy

1. Get the assignment

2. Choose a topic

3. Wait until a few days before the paper is due

4. Madly search the internet

5. Pray

What’s it cost you?

• Money

• Time

• Grade

Here’s what you need.

1. A chronology for the search

2. A method to control the language of your searches

3. Advanced searching techniques

4. Other sources

5. Evaluation skills

6. Note taking methods

vs. The Main Event

Google Library

237 of 723 sources 163 of 723 sources

52% actually “pretty good” More up-to-dateMore balanced

Available immediately More accurate

90% available full text 65 % full text

Relevant

Sound Research Strategy

1.Find enough information to fully explore a narrowly focused research topic.

2.Find varied sources.

3.Find quality information/

Three Fronts of Research

Search Tactics

1. Index searches: Librarian language

2. Database keyword searches: Database terms with “connectors” - AND, OR, NOT

3. Web keyword searches: String of terms and exact phrases.

1. Librarian Language

• Index searches, or Keyword searches• Library of Congres Subject Headings

(LCSH)• E.g., Cyberterrorism – Prevention

• Computer networks – Security measures

• Computer security – Law and legislation

(Click for link)

Database Searches“Boolean Connectors”

Use words like:•And•Not•Or

And “nest” terms by using brackets. e.g., (Montana OR Idaho) AND animal AND rights AND ethics

WWW Keyword SearchesNarrow by adding terms

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

• Primary: Original words of a writerLikely more accurate and authoritative

Include: original literature marketing information,

first-hand accounts, observations

• Secondary: An analysis of somebody else’s workInclude: juried journal articles, theatrical reviews

Judge Source Quality

Maximize Internet Search1. Keep your purpose in mind.

2. Favour government and educational sites

3. Favour authored documents.

4. Favour updated web pages.

5. Favour documented claims.

6. Use multiple search engines.

7. Use people-created directories.

8. Use keywords carefully.

9. In print also?

Guidelines to Evaluate a Book

1. Audience general or specific?

2. Author an acknowledged expert?

3. Is there a bibliography?

4. Did it receive a critical reception?