1. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 1 Nova Scotia Community College Library Services The Research Process Facilitator: Librarian’s Name Librarian’s Title Librarian’s E-mail Address

2. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 2 Objectives of this Workshop Acquaint/re-acquaint learners with the research process Introduce information sources required in the research process Acquaint students with effective resources available at NSCC libraries

3. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 3 How to Start Clarify assignment/research paper with instructor Time management Generate ideas Complete a summary Conduct preliminary research on topic Consult with library staff

4. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 4 Step 1 - Define/Clarify the Topic Choose a familiar topic Choose an interesting topic Be aware of any strong beliefs or prejudices you may hold

5. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 5 Step 2 - Narrow or Focus Your Topic Beware of too much information - Topic is too broad Beware of not enough information - Topic is too narrow

6. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 6 Step 3 - Formulate Your Topic Articulate the specific research question State a specific claim about the paper Analysis will be supported with evidence Paper is devoted to explanation of claim

7. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 7 Step 4 - Literature Search Lengthy process-make it interesting Familiarize yourself with literature on topic Look at information in a variety of formats Consult library staff for assistance

8. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 8 Periodical or Journal Information Scholarly - present info based on studies, research; usually written by a scholar or researcher; provides extensive bibliographies Current Events/General Interest - written in an informative but easy to understand manner, main purpose is to inform a broad audience Popular - slick & attractive, main purpose is to entertain

9. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 9 Step 5 - Read/Evaluate Information Make notes Highlight information Cluster information into organized units Maintain a working bibliography

10. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 10 Step 6 - Organize/Write Your Paper Synthesize information Re-visit your research statement Develop a strong introduction Organize the material into a logical format (chronological approach, comparative approach) Provide a balanced viewpoint Develop a logical and strong conclusion based on factual information

11. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 11 Step 7 - Cite/Document Sources Document bibliographical details of each source used. Follow established style as outlined by instructor (APA, MLA, Chicago) Avoid plagiarism-when in doubt, document your source Direct/indirect quotations must be quoted exactly as they appear in the original source. Paraphrased ideas must be credited to author(s).

12. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 12 Plagiarism “The unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work” Random House Compact Unabridged Dictionary, special 2nd ed., 1996

13. NSCC Library Services - How To Do Research 13 Different Styles of Documenting Sources 3 international & most widely used styles of documenting sources - APA, MLA, Chicago MLA - Modern Language Association of America APA - used in sciences & social sciences MLA & Chicago - used in arts & humanities All authors must credit sources Sources include (but not limited to) books, periodical articles, interviews, news wires, TV programs, electronic sources (includes WWW resources).