Research Strategies for a Digital Age (with InfoTrac)

by Tensen, Bonnie L.

• ISBN13: 9780155059849
• ISBN10: 015505984X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-10-03
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

Summary

An interdisciplinary reference manual that blends traditional with new computer and Internet research methods, teaching students how to conduct responsible, credible research.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
PART ONE Research Basics
Get Off to a Good Start	3	(12)
Step One: Choose a Topic	3	(8)
Step Two: Narrow Your Focus	11	(4)
Exercises	13	(2)
Find the Perfect Match	15	(16)
Where Do You Find the Perfect Match?	15	(5)
How Do You Find the Perfect Match?	28	(1)
Exercises
Become a Research ``Supersleuth''	31	(2)
Ask Questions	32	(4)
Make Connections	36	(2)
Background Checks	38	(10)
The Thrill of the Hunt	48	(3)
Exercises	48	(3)
Get Immediate Results: Databases	51	(18)
What Is a Database?	52	(3)
How Do Databases Work?	55	(4)
Databases You Should Know and Use	59	(10)
Exercises	65	(4)
PART TWO Research Using the World Wide Web
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	(8)
Academic Research on the Internet Requires Careful Evaluation	80	(5)
Exercises	83	(2)
Field Research Online	85	(10)
Conducting an Interview	85	(4)
Developing a Survey	89	(6)
Exercises	92	(3)
PART THREE Research Documentation
Documentation: General Rules	95	(10)
A Few Words About Plagiarism: Don't Do It!	96	(2)
A Sure Way To Impress: Incorporate and Document with Skill	98	(7)
Exercises	103	(2)
Documentation: MLA Format	105	(24)
MLA In-Text Citations	105	(4)
MLA Works Cited Entries	109	(11)
Sample Research Paper Using MLA Style	120	(9)
Documentation: APA Format	129	(22)
APA In-Text Citations	129	(3)
APA Reference List Entries	132	(10)
Sample Research Paper Using APA Style	142	(9)
Alternate Forms of Documentation	151	(28)
Council of Science Editors Style	151	(16)
Chicago Manual of Style	167	(12)
Index	179