EP004 Information Literacy & Research Skills

EP004Information Literacy &Research SkillsSemester I, 2012Week 7 / Lecture 6

“It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer”.  ~Albert Einstein

OutcomesRefine library catalogue and summon searchesUse a basic database search and refine itExplain the difference between an abstract and full textIdentify the purpose of using an abstract and a full text article

Review Referencing Direct Quotes and

ParaphrasesWhat is a quote?Find the examples of how to reference a quote in your reference guide.What is a paraphrase?Find the examples of how to reference a paraphrase in your reference guide.

Refining Library Catalogue and Summon

SearchesShow and Tell

http://library.nd.edu.au/home

Database Searches

What is a database?How are can they be accessed through the Library page?How are they organised?

Subject GuidesDatabase search

DatabasesA database contains a large collection of Journals and journal articles.It is like a huge catalogueThe Journals and articles must go through rigorous reviewing to ensure the content is academic, reputable and properly substantiated by research (empirical evidence)Databases may contain content for a large variety of subject areas or they may focus on particular subject areas (Medicine, Law, Education etc)

Searching DatabasesLibrary pageHow many ways can you search databases on the library page?Where are they?Which database do you use?

Refining the Search cont’d

Class Questions:What is the difference between abstracts and full textWhich would you use – when & why?

Abstracts vs Full Text [1]

An abstract is a structured summary of the article. It includes

A description of area being researched and whyBrief summary of the research methods and sampleThe findings or outcomes of the research

Full Text – means the whole article is available online for your to download/read/use

Abstracts vs Full Text [2]

1. Use abstract to select your relevant article.1. Does thesis statement support your topic?2. Is it researching the area you are focusing on?3. Do the results/findings support the view of your

essay?4. Collect citation information for referencing

2. Use full text version to gain information, quotes, evidence etc.1. Gain new and deeper understandings of the topic.2. Use understandings to support the ideas in your

essay (paraphrase new understandings).3. Obtain quotes and information for referencing.

Refining the SearchYou have skimmed through your abstracts and find that your search is too broad or not getting the results you want.

What are the ways you can refine your search?Go to a basic database search and list the ways you can refine a search.

NICIS TEAMSUSE YOUR EP003 TOPIC TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING TASKSForm teams of fourEach person will choose a different database

Conduct a searchCompare results – who came up with the most relevant results?Now find out how you can refine your searchConduct your refined search.Compare the methods you used and the results you got with your team membersWho had the most effective search and why?Choose an article and find the citation/reference details

EBSCOFind EBSCOWhat is EBSCO?Find the EBSCO tutorial on how to conduct a basic search.Use this to conduct a basic search – use your EP003 topic.

REVIEWExplain the difference between an abstract and full textHow can the abstract help you when searching?What a some ways you can refine a catalogue, summon and database search?How can you learn to use EBSCO more efficiently?

Assessment DetailsASSESSMENT TWO – WEEK 8REFER TO ASSESSMENT PREP WORD DOC VIEWED IN CLASS - Also, this document has been:

Uploaded on Blackboard

Directed Study / Homework

IN CLASS TASK:Each student will write a task that will help them review one aspect or skill we have covered (including this weeks tasks)

Upload to Edmodo or your class wiki/blog