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Slide 2 EDUC 5002: Research Methods in Education Course Learning Module I A: Mapping your topic B: Refining your Search Dr. Lorayne Robertson, UOIT 1Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 3 Index of Learning Module 1 1.Steps in the Research ProcessSteps in the Research Process 2.Mapping the field using a concept mapMapping the field using a concept map 3.Mapping the Field Using the LibraryMapping the Field Using the Library 4.Using the right tools to find informationUsing the right tools to find information 5.Search using Boolean logicSearch using Boolean logic 6.Using the Wildcard symbolUsing the Wildcard symbol 7.Summary of Boolean logic termsSummary of Boolean logic terms Robertson, 20092 Slide 4 The Research Process Step One: Identify a topic, and map the field.. Step Two: Refine the search, locate and gather information Step Three: Analyze and evaluate your information Step Four: Present your findings The first step is to identify your topic and map out your field of interest. 3Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 5 Technology and Leadership resistance Change theory Stages of adaptation Concept Map 4Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 6 Technology and Leadership resistance Change theory Assessing learningTeachersStudents Learning Stages of adaptation Concept Map 5Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 7 Technology and Leadership resistance Change theory Assessing learningTeachersStudents Learning Stages of adaptation Data management Concept Map 6Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 8 Technology and Leadership resistance Change theory Assessing learningTeachersStudents Learning Stages of adaptation Planning for technology Data management Concept Map 7Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 9 Technology and Leadership resistance Change theory Assessing learningTeachersStudents Learning Stages of adaptation Assistive devices Planning for technology Data management Identifying the field 8Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 10 Here are some other ways to map out your field of study Use a reference book or an introductory textbook Use a professional association Government website Wiki with caution 9Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 11 10Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 12 Mapping the Field Using the Library Use the librarys Subject Guide Education to find a discipline specific reference book, orSubject Guide Education Use an ERIC Digest to get an overview of your topicERIC Digest 11Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 13 12Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 14 OR Go to the website: http://www.uoit.ca/library 13Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 15 14Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 16 Connecting to the Subject database 15Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 17 Start Here: Subject Guides 16Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 18 17Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 19 18Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 20 Information Tools Decide the kind of information that you need Choose the access tool to help you locate it Books catalogue Articles index or a database Government information website 19Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 21 Websites To Find: Current information Govt information Shared opinions Association and Profl organization mission statements, publications, philosophies Use: Google Scholar Library subject guides Association, organization, or educational institution portals 20Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 22 Books To find: historical background, major research. Or the broad scope of your topic Use library catalogues Borrow via inter- library loan Google Scholar books Search strategy: broad terms; browse 21Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 23 Articles To find: Current information Focused information Electronic access Scholarly research Case studies News reports Use: Library indexes and databases Library indexes and databases Google scholar Search strategy More focused terms using advanced search features of the index or database 22Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 24 Robertson, 200923 Ready, Set, Wait!!! Construct a GOOD search strategy 23Robertson, 2009 Before you start searching on Google Scholar or using a Library Database, you need to do one more step - Next Menu Prev Slide 25 Natural Language OK for Google DOES NOT work with library databases Example: active learning impact student achievement secondary 24Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 26 Keyword MUST USE when searching library databases Examples of a keyword search: (active learning) and (student achievement) and (secondary) 25Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 27 Constructing a Keyword Search AND OR $,* 26Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 28 Boolean Operator AND AND = LESS records must include BOTH concepts use and between required concepts active learning AND secondary 27Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 29 active learning secondary 28Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 30 Boolean Operator OR OR = MORE records must include EITHER concept use or between synonyms enclose synonyms in brackets. (secondary OR high school) 29Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 31 secondary high school 30Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 32 Wildcard Symbol Rather than: engineer or engineers or engineered or engineering Use the root of the word plus the wildcard symbol to find all variations of the word Heres how. 31Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 33 Shorten the words to the last common letter ENGINEER ENGINEERS ENGINEERING ENGINEERED 32Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 34 Each database has its own wildcard symbol. $ ? ! * are the most common ENGINEER ENGINEERS ENGINEERING ENGINEERED ENGINEER* Use the wildcard symbol on the end of the word root: 33Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 35 Quotation Marks Search: Hockey Night In Canada retrieves: A day and night in the life of Canada, by John Hockey. Better Search: Hockey Night in Canada retrieves only the specific phrase 34Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 36 The Brackets also Guide the Search Use brackets so the search engine executes your search properly. ORs go inside brackets ANDs go between brackets (high school or secondary) and (active learn$) 35Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 37 To summarize retrieve MORE wildcard symbol OR between synonyms broader term retrieve LESS quotation marks AND more precise term retrieve BETTER or more precise results Combine the above techniques to build a complex search query 36Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 38 End of Module I Module 1: Mapping out your area of study and refining your search. Module 2: Using Refworks Module 3: Using Library Indexes Module 4: Searching using Google Scholar 37Robertson, 2009 Next Menu Prev Slide 39 Credits Thanks to Susan Pratt for sharing slides and ideas Thanks to Gavin Lobo for technical assistance Robertson, 200938 Menu Prev