Hello everyone, here I am writing this blog on ‘Research Methodology’. In our semester 4 syllabus we have a book, ‘MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers’, which was 1st published in 2009 by The Modern Language Association Of America. And they have published two books on its documentation style: the 'MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers' (for high school and
undergraduate students) and the 'MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly
Publishing' (for graduate students, scholars, and professional writers).
In this book there are 10 chapters :
1. The Research Paper as a Form of Exploration
2. The Research Paper as a Form of Communication
3. Selecting a Topic
4. Conducting Research
5. Compiling a Working Bibliography
6. Evaluating Sources
7. Taking Notes
8.Outlining
9. Writing Drafts
10. Language and Style
In this blog I am trying to write my understanding on a chapter of this book, ‘Conducting Research’.
∆ CONDUCTING RESEARCH :
In this chapter there are 9 sub topics :
1. The Modern Academic Library
2. Library Research Sources
3. The Central Information System
4. Reference Works
5. The Online Catalog of Library Holdings
6. Full-Text Databases
7. Other Library Resources and Services
8. Web Sources
9. Summing up
So, let’s start the journey of this chapter….
1. The Modern Academic Library :
When you're on a quest for information, your trusty companion is often the library. Think of it as your reliable guide in the vast world of knowledge. Librarians carefully select resources, ensuring they're authoritative and high quality before adding them to the collection. Familiarize yourself with the libraries available to you, both on site and online, and make the most of the resources they offer.
Modern academic libraries are treasure troves, providing resources in various formats: printed books, electronic materials, and even non-print media like films and sound recordings.
Libraries don't just hand you a map and leave you on your own. Most have orientation and instruction programs tailored to everyone, from newcomers to seasoned researchers.
Now we meet the heroes of our research journey, professional reference librarians. These knowledgeable individuals man desks in libraries, ready to guide you. They can inform you about instructional programs, assist in locating sources, and share research guides specific to different fields of study.
In simple words, the library is like a superhero base filled with different resources, and librarians are our superhero guides, ready to assist us on our research adventure. They make sure we have the tools and knowledge to navigate the library world and find the information we need.
2. Library Research Sources :
First up, there are electronic sources. Your library likely has electronic reference works and full-text databases, providing a digital treasure trove of information. They might even point you to helpful websites and have electronic versions of journals.
Next on the list are books and similar publications. Picture a vast collection of books, pamphlets, and maybe even dissertations neatly stacked on shelves. Books are like the superheroes of information for many projects. Some teachers might even insist we use books alongside articles, websites, and other materials. We can usually borrow most books from the library.
Now, let's talk about articles and other goodies found in print periodicals. Your library gives you access to a bunch of articles, reviews, and editorials published in print periodicals. These could be scholarly journals, newspapers, or magazines, offering a wide range of perspectives.
Libraries are not just about books and articles. They also offer non-print sources like sound recordings and video recordings. Some libraries might even have unpublished writings, like manuscripts or private letters tucked away in special collections. It's like finding hidden gems that add an extra layer to your research journey.
So, the library is like an island with electronic wonders, shelves full of books, a magazine corner, and some hidden treasures like recordings and unique writings. It's a magical place where we can explore different sources to gather the information we need for your research.
3. The Central Information System :
In the world of academic libraries, there's a helpful online guide called the central information system. This guide is like a virtual compass, steering both students and faculty towards valuable research sources.
Think of it as a catalog of everything the library holds – books, magazines, electronic stuff, and even audiovisual materials. This helps us see what's available for our research adventure.
Inside this virtual guide, you'll discover databases like the MLA International Bibliography and Science Direct.
In this part of the system, we'll find electronic resources. It includes reference works, full-text databases, and recommended websites by the library.
The guide doesn't stop at resources; it also shares key info about the library itself – where it's located, when it's open, and its rules. It's like having a map to the library's treasure trove.
There's a database called WorldCat on the web. It lists what over ten thousand libraries worldwide have in their collections. So, if our library doesn't have it, WorldCat might guide us to a nearby library where we can find what we need.
So, the central information system is like a virtual guide in our library adventure. It shows you what's in the library, helps you explore databases, recommends electronic treasures, shares library details, and even has a backup plan (WorldCat) if our library doesn't have what we're searching for.
4. Reference Works :
When we're diving into a research project, a smart move is to check out reference works. These are like helpful guides that organize research materials by subject and give us essential details, such as who wrote it, the title, and when it was published. There are different types of reference works, and your library likely has them in both printed and electronic forms.
• Printed :
In the library, you might find printed reference works in a special reference room. General ones like dictionaries, encyclopedias, biographies, and more could be grouped together. Specialized ones related to specific subjects like biology, business, literature, or psychology might have their own sections. Annual volumes, like indexes and bibliographies, are usually arranged in order by the year they were published.
• Electronic :
Nowadays, reference works have gone digital. We can access them online or on CD-ROM/DVD-ROM. The cool thing is, you can search and use these electronic databases both inside the library and from the comfort of our own space over the internet. Some electronic platforms even let you search through multiple types of works in one go. For instance, Reference Universe lets us explore the indexes of over 10,000 reference works.
In simpler terms, think of reference works as our research sidekicks. They help us organize information, and we can find them in the library or online. Whether you prefer flipping pages or clicking links, both printed and electronic reference works have their unique advantages.
a. Reference Works That Provide Data about Research Materials :
Imagine these as treasure maps guiding you to valuable research materials. Indexes and bibliographies are lists of publications organized by subject. They can lead you to articles in newspapers, magazines, journals, books, and even websites. For instance:
• New York Times Index
• The Philosopher's Index
• Newspaper Abstracts
• Periodical Abstracts
• Book Review Digest
• Literary Research Guide
• Reference Guide to Mystery and Detective Fiction
In simple terms, think of these tools as your helpers in the library treasure hunt. Indexes and bibliographies guide you to articles, abstracts give you quick summaries, and research guides point you to important sources. If you're unsure, just ask your librarian or instructor for directions.
b. Reference Works That Give Basic Information about Subjects :
Dictionaries:
Dictionaries are like word guides, giving quick and concise definitions. For English words, you have the big players like Webster's Third New International Dictionary and The Oxford English Dictionary. If you're a student, you might find simpler options like The American Heritage College Dictionary or Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary handy. If you're learning another language, dual-language dictionaries like The New World Spanish-English Dictionary can be super helpful.
Encyclopedias:
Encyclopedias are like introduction books for subjects. General ones include The Columbia Encyclopedia, The Encyclopedia Americana, and The Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. For specific areas like psychology or philosophy, you can turn to specialized encyclopedias like The Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science or the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Biographical Sources:
If you want to know about someone's life, biographical sources are your friends. For the living, there's Current Biography or The International Who's Who. For those no longer with us, you can explore American National Biography, Dictionary of Canadian Biography, or Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
Yearbooks, Almanacs, Atlases, and Gazetteers:
Yearbooks: Like Britannica Book of the Year, they share facts about past years.
Almanacs: Think The World Almanac and Book of Facts, providing data on various subjects.
Atlases: Collections of maps, whether in print or online.
Gazetteers: Giving geographic info.
Statistical Resources:
If numbers are your thing, statistical resources are crucial. The U.S. government's Statistical Abstract of the United States is a goldmine. Other sources like American FactFinder and FedStats offer data on population, housing, economics, and more. International organizations like the United Nations also provide statistical yearbooks.
c. Searching a Reference Database
In the world of research, there's a powerful tool called the MLA International Bibliography. It's like a giant list of studies in language and literature, acting as a guide for scholars. This bibliography comes in both electronic and print formats, each with its own set of benefits.
Versions:
•Electronic
•Print
Types of Searches in the Electronic Version:
• Author Searches
• Title Searches
• Subject Searches
• Expanded Searches
So, imagine the MLA International Bibliography as a treasure map for scholars. It helps you find studies in language and literature. You can explore it online, on CD-ROM, or in print. Search by author, title, or subject, and even expand your search for broader ideas. It's like having a key to unlock a world of research possibilities.
5. The Online Catalog of Library Holdings :
a. Searching an Online Catalog
When using your school's online catalog, there are several ways to locate a book:
a. Author Searches:
Enter the author's full name to see a list of all works by that author. If you only know the last name, you can get a list of all authors with that last name.
b. Title Searches:
Entering the title provides a list of all works with that title. The catalog includes various types of titles, including books, journals, databases, and book series. You can enter part of a title for a broader search.
c. Subject Heading Searches:
If you have no specific author or title in mind, use a subject heading.
Most libraries use the subject headings from the Library of Congress. Subject headings can be broad or more specific, such as by country or region.
d. Call Number Searches:
If you know a work's call number, enter it to get bibliographic information about the book. For example, entering "PA817.B431992" provides details about "An Introduction to New Testament Greek."
e. Keyword Searches:
Conduct sophisticated searches using individual words regardless of their location.
Search for specific words in titles, subjects, or authors.
f. Boolean Searches:
Use Boolean logic (and, or, not) for more precise searches.
For instance, "nutrition and cancer" narrows down works related to both subjects.
g. Advanced Searches:
Online catalogs offer advanced search options, allowing you to limit results by publication year, library section, media type, and more. You can specify, for example, books in Spanish about cave paintings in Spain published between 1990 and 2000.
b. Bibliographic Information Provided :
When you click on a book title, the screen reveals a bunch of details, like a sneak peek into what's inside. Let's break it down using an example:
Top Lines:
• Author's Name: Elaine Freedgood
• Full Title: The Ideas in Things: Fugitive Meaning in the Victorian Novel
• Publication Info: Published by the University of Chicago Press in Chicago in 2006
Book Details:
• Physical Characteristics: 10 pages of front matter (stuff before the main text), 196 pages of text, and a height of 23 centimeters.
• Additional Features: It has a bibliography and an index.
• Subject Headings: Words that categorize the book.
• ISBNs: International Standard Book Numbers, like book ID tags.
Extra Links:
• Hyperlinks: Clickable links to the electronic table of contents and info about borrowing the book.
• Borrowing Status: Tells you if the book is available in the main collection or another related collection.
• Call Number: This is like the book's address on the library shelf.
So, when you check out a book online, you see who wrote it, what it's called, when and where it was born (published), and even its physical features. There are also links to explore, like opening the book's table of contents or checking if you can borrow it. It's like having a mini tour of the book before deciding if you want to dive in.
c. Information Needed for Research and Writing :
When you're working on your research paper, you don't need to use all the fancy details from the library's catalog. You only need a few key things:
1. Call Number:
This is like the book's home address on the library shelf. You'll use it to find the book.
2. Author, Title, and Publication Info:
These are the stars of your paper. You need to know who wrote the book (author), what it's called (title), and when and where it was born (published). For example:
Author: Elaine Freedgood
Title: The Ideas in Things: Fugitive Meaning in the Victorian Novel
Publication Info: Chicago: U of Chicago P, 2006
For Your Works-Cited List:
When you're making a list of all the sources you used (works-cited list), here's how you'd write it:
Freedgood, Elaine. The Ideas in Things: Fugitive Meaning in the Victorian Novel. Chicago: U of Chicago P, 2006. Print.
If you're using an online catalog, there's usually an option to print or download this info. That way, you won't have to type it all out, and it reduces the chance of making mistakes.
Check the info against the actual book just to be sure. Sometimes, there might be tiny errors in the catalog info, so it's good to double-check.
In simple terms, when you're doing your paper, focus on the important stuff: where to find the book (call number) and the key details about the book (author, title, and publication info).
d. Call Numbers :
Your library organizes books using a specific classification system, either the Library of Congress system or the Dewey decimal system. Knowing this system will make it easier for you to locate and understand the contents of books based on their call numbers. It will also help you navigate different sections of the library for browsing.
Library of Congress System:
A - General works
B - Philosophy, psychology, and religion
C - Auxiliary sciences of history
D - World history and history of specific regions
E-F - History of the Americas
G - Geography, anthropology, recreation
H - Social sciences
J - Political science
K - Law
L - Education
M - Music and books on music
N - Fine arts
P - Language and literature
Q - Science
R - Medicine
S - Agriculture
T - Technology
U - Military science
V - Naval science
Z - Bibliography, library science, and information resources (general)
Dewey Decimal System:
000 - Computers, information, and general reference
100 - Philosophy and psychology
200 - Religion
300 - Social sciences
400 - Language
500 - Science
600 - Technology
700 - Arts and recreation
800 - Literature
900 - History and geography
Understanding these classifications will assist you in finding relevant materials and exploring various subjects within your school library.
e. Location of Library Materials
When you search for a book in the library catalog, you'll not only get a call number but also information about where to find the book. Here's how to understand and navigate the location details:
Open Shelves and Closed Stacks:
Most books are on open shelves, easily accessible to the public.
If a book is in closed stacks, you'll need to request it using a call slip, and a staff member will help you find it.
Reserved and Reference Sections:
Reserved: If a book is reserved, it's required for a course and kept in a special section. You can't borrow it, but it's available for students in the course.
Reference (R or Ref): Books in the reference section are widely used and can't be borrowed. They must stay in the library for everyone's use.
Other Sections:
Libraries have specific areas for different materials, like:
Current Periodicals: Magazines and journals that are up-to-date.
Pamphlets: Small publications or booklets.
Non Print Materials: CD-ROMs, films, audio and video recordings.
Special Collections:
Some libraries have unique collections like rare books or government documents. These are kept separately from the main collection.
6. Full-Text Databases :
In today's academic world, libraries offer a treasure trove of databases, not just for finding sources but also for enjoying full texts. Here are some databases you might love, and how to use them:
AnthroSource:
Collection of scholarly journals from the American Anthropological Association. If you're researching folklore recording methods in the 1930s, use keywords like "folklore" to find related articles. Follow citations to other databases if needed.
ARTstor:
A visual feast with over 700,000 art and architecture images.
Perfect for studying things like Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Save images for your paper or class presentation.
Early English Books Online (EEBO):
A digital collection of 100,000+ books from 1473 to 1700 in England. Great for exploring fragile material, like early English ballads for a music history course.
EBSCO:
A powerhouse with various databases, like Academic Search Premier, Business Source Premier, Newspaper Source, and Masterfile Premier.
Awesome for current events research in science, business, and psychology.
Project Muse:
Offers recent issues of hundreds of scholarly journals in humanities and social sciences.
Useful if you're into topics like the propagation of native species.
7. Other Library Resources and Services :
Beyond the resources mentioned earlier, there's more to explore at our library:
a. Microforms:
Microforms are shrunken versions of printed materials created through microphotography. Types include microfilm, microfiche, and micro card, often used for preserving back copies of periodicals and rare books. They're stored in a dedicated library section and require special readers and photocopiers. Library staff can assist in locating and using microform materials.
b. Media Center:
Many libraries house a specialized section for audio and video recordings, including CDs, tapes, records, VHS, and DVDs.
These resources are typically for in-library use, but exceptions may exist. Some materials might be accessible for listening or viewing on the library premises or online.
c. Electronic and Other Resources:
Photocopying machines are available throughout the library, along with computer terminals for catalog access and internet browsing. Some schools may allow laptop borrowing for in-library use. Computer centers provide software for tasks like word processing, spreadsheet analysis, and more. Services may include high-quality printing, scanning, and even facilities for multimedia production.
d. Interlibrary Loans:
Libraries often have agreements to share materials regionally, statewide, nationally, or internationally. If your library lacks a needed resource, inquire about interlibrary loans. Your librarian can assist in initiating this process, saving time by borrowing from nearby libraries. Use Internet searches or WorldCat to discover which libraries hold the titles you're seeking.
8. Web Sources :
a. Diverse Web Sources:
The web is a vast space offering access to library catalogs, professional organization sites, government agencies, commercial enterprises, educational entities, and individual scholars. Materials range from historical papers to literary works, articles, and various audiovisual resources.
b. Using Recommended Sites:
Practice using the web for research just like you would with a library. Follow guidance from instructors, academic departments, or librarians in selecting reliable internet sources. Your library's website may have recommended links, and instructors or academic departments might have suggested sites.
c. Gateway Sites:
Librarians or instructors may guide you to metapages or gateways with links to other sites. Examples include Voice of the Shuttle, Crossroads, and Intute, which provide comprehensive subject-specific resources.
d. Searching the Web:
Utilize search engines like Google, Windows Live, and Yahoo! for finding information.
Learn advanced search strategies provided by these engines. Be specific in your searches to avoid irrelevant results. Consider the search engine's sorting criteria and how it aligns with your research goals.
9. SUMMING UP :
Your library is your trustworthy companion during research. Here's how to make the best use of its resources and services:
Library Resources:
Electronic Resources: Includes online catalogs, reference works, and databases for bibliographic and full-text information.
Books and Similar Publications: Explore a wide array, including pamphlets, for in-depth research.
Print Periodicals: Journals, newspapers, and magazines provide valuable insights.
Additional Sources: Don't overlook resources like sound and video recordings.
Library Services:
Media Center: A hub for multimedia resources.
Photocopying Machines: Handy for reproducing relevant materials.
Access to Computers: Utilize computers for various research needs.
Software Applications and Hardware: Explore available tools like printers and scanning devices.
Interlibrary Loans: Access resources beyond your library through interlibrary loans.
Useful Web Sources:
Instructor and Librarian Recommendations: Look for sites suggested by your instructors and librarians for reliable information.
Gateway Sites: Explore comprehensive platforms recommended for research.
To excel in your research, get acquainted with your school library's electronic and print offerings, and leverage its diverse services. Additionally, explore recommended web sources for a well-rounded research experience.
Thank you...
Words : 3518
