Research Strategies for a Digital Age

by Tensen, Bonnie L.

• ISBN13: 9781413019230
• ISBN10: 1413019234
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Spiral Bound
• Copyright: 2006-07-13
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

Blending traditional research methods with detailed instruction on how to use and evaluate electronic research technologies, RESEARCH STRATEGIES FOR A DIGITAL AGE equips you with the research skills you need for today's online environment. The author introduces you to research by beginning in the digital library (i.e., the online catalog and databases). These library tools provide a controlled environment with credible sources to help you develop the analytical skills you needfor locating and assessing sources.

Table of Contents

Preface	v
PART ONE RESEARCH BASICS
CHAPTER 1 GET OFF TO A GOOD START	3	(14)
Step 1: Choose a Topic	4	(9)
Step 2: Narrow Your Focus	13	(2)
Exercises	15	(2)
CHAPTER 2 FIND THE PERFECT MATCH	17	(18)
Where Do You Find the Perfect Match?	18	(5)
How Do You Find the Perfect Match?	23	(9)
Exercises	32	(3)
CHAPTER 3 BECOME A RESEARCH "SUPERSLEUTH"	35	(20)
Ask Questions	36	(4)
Make Connections	40	(2)
Background Checks	42	(10)
The Thrill of the Hunt	52	(1)
Exercises	53	(2)
CHAPTER 4 GET IMMEDIATE RESULTS: DATABASES	55	(14)
What Is a Database?	56	(3)
Get to Know Your Databases	59	(1)
How Do Databases Work?	60	(5)
Exercises	65	(4)
PART TWO RESEARCH USING THE WORLD WIDE WEB
CHAPTER 5 CAST YOUR NET IN STOCKED PONDS	69	(16)
Academic Research on the Internet Must Be Authenticated	70	(2)
Academic Research on the Internet Must Be Done in "Stocked Ponds"	72	(5)
Use the Best Commercial Search Engines	77	(3)
Academic Research on the Internet Requires Careful Evaluation	80	(3)
Exercises	83	(2)
CHAPTER 6 FIELD RESEARCH ONLINE	85	(12)
Conducting an Interview	86	(4)
Developing a Survey	90	(3)
Exercises	93	(4)
PART THREE RESEARCH DOCUMENTATION
CHAPTER 7 DOCUMENTATION: GENERAL RULES	97	(12)
A Few Words About Plagiarism: DON'T DO IT'	98	(3)
A Sure Way to Impress: Incorporate and Document with Skill	101	(5)
Exercises	106	(3)
CHAPTER 8 DOCUMENTATION: MLA FORMAT	109	(40)
Directory of Citation and Entry Formats	108	(2)
MLA In-Text Citations	110	(4)
MLA Works Cited Entries	114	(18)
Sample Research Paper Using MLA Style	132	(8)
Sample Literary Analysis Research Paper Using MLA Style	140	(9)
CHAPTER 9 DOCUMENTATION: APA FORMAT	149	(28)
Directory of Citation and Entry Formats	148	(2)
APA In-Text Citations	150	(3)
APA Reference List Entries	153	(14)
Sample Research Paper Using APA Style	167	(10)
CHAPTER 10 DOCUMENTATION: CSE FORMAT	177	(32)
Directory of Citation and Entry Formats	176	(2)
CSE In-Text Citations	178	(2)
CSE Reference List Entries	180	(17)
Sample Research Paper Using CSE Style	197	(12)
CHAPTER 11 DOCUMENTATION: CMS FORMAT	209	(32)
Directory of Note and Bibliography Entry Formats	208	(2)
CMS Footnotes, Endnotes, and Bibliographies	210	(3)
CMS Footnote/Endnote and Bibliography Format	213	(15)
Sample Research Paper Using CMS Style	228	(13)
Index	241	(6)
Credits	247