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Research Methods Guide: Starting Research and Print Resources

Resources and tools for students in the SHS Research Methods course for academic research as they design their science fair projects.

Research Methods Research

Research Methods Research

As a part of research methods, you are asked to conduct research to help shape your project.

I have some tools on resources on this guide that might help guide you in your research.

Key Terms

Key Terms

Key Terms are the words you use to conduct your searches in databases, catalogs, indexes, Google, etc.

Students and researchers may sometimes feel lost if they are unable to find what they need in their search. The best way to remedy this is to create a list of various key terms related to your topic. This allows you to:

  • Search synonyms or similar phrases that others may use to describe your topic

  • Find more specific information

  • Find resources that contain a broader discussion that includes your topic

  • You may also find varying perspectives

The words we use to describe a topic often change over time or based on context. For instance, we didn't use the term "World War I" until World War II began. Or when discussing voter rights, some researchers or advocates use terms like "disenfranchisement."

Carefully considered Key Terms make a huge difference in the success of your research.

Ebooks

Ebooks

The media center reference ebook collection has many of the same advantages and benefits as the print books. These are well-researched resources that have been selected for our collection specifically for research. Each of the reference ebooks is a multi-user ebook, meaning multiple students can have the same title open at the same time.

Advantages for ebooks:

  • Easy access from at home or school
  • Full - text search, index, and table of contents to navigate
  • Multi-user access

Considerations:

  • Different ebook platforms are easier to navigate than others.
  • Information in a book is not updated, so some information may be out of date.

Click here for more ebook tips.

Click here to browse our reference ebook collection.

Print Books

Print Books

The print books in the media center may also be great resources for your research. We have a wide range of books about a variety of subjects. Some books explore a limited topic extensively, and others cover a wide variety of topics but without as much depth. Consider your research needs and current knowledge about a topic when selecting a book.

Advantages for Print Books:

  • Well-researched
  • Organized by subject
  • Index and table of contents to help navigate

Considerations:

  • Books that are entirely about your topic may be long and overwhelming to use.
  • You may want to look through books about a broader subject for more concise information.
  • Some books may have out-of-date information.

Click here for print book tips.

Click here for the media center catalog.

Research Footer

Citation Tutorials
Keyword Generator
Website Evaluation
Username and Passwords
Book recs and research help