How to…
Research Like An Expert!
Day 2
Today’s Goals

By the end of the period, I will:



have chosen my ISU topic
have mapped out my search strategy
have found at least one journal
article from a research database for
my review of literature
It’s all about process!
1. Choose a topic…i.e. BROWSE!
2. Find general/background information.
3. Focus and narrow your topic.
4. Determine what information you need.
5. Plan your search strategy.
6. Search!
Planning your search
strategy...

Map it out!


What do you need to learn?
Where is the best place to find it?


What are your key search terms?



e.g. If you’re looking for recent Canadian Statistics, don’t
use an older book, published in the United States!
i.e. the words people use to describe your topic – this will
be essential for advanced searching!
Choose the right kind of information source
The Internet is not your only option…
be sure to use it wisely!
Internet search strategies…



Don’t just rely on Google
Use the Web resources already
available…don’t reinvent the wheel!
Start from your assignments page



recommended web sites/directories
(especially Tufts Guide, and Vanier)
Teen Health & Wellness database
also try Canadian Points of View (like Opposing
Viewpoints, only Canadian!)
Academic Honesty
To avoid plagiarizing, remember to:
 use quotations or paraphrase information
 give credit where credit is due


e.g. direct quotes, unique ideas, statistics
keep track of your sources as you go!



use the Research Notes Worksheet to help you
keep track and organize!
Citation Machine
RCSS Style Guide
HHS4M page…
Today’s Goals

By the end of the period, I will:



have chosen my ISU topic
have mapped out my search strategy
have found at least one journal
article from a research database for
my review of literature
Today’s task…
Strategize




create a list of key terms – what are the main ideas of your topic?
what words describe these ideas?
map out your search strategy – what kind of info are you looking
for? where are you going to start? what sites are you going to try?
Write out this strategy so you can include it with your
upcoming Annotated Works Cited assignment
Collect info



don’t spend too much time reading - determine whether it might be
useful and either keep or discard
gather articles & information - evaluate and read through later
 bookmark useful web sites
 if you’re using databases, don’t bookmark the articles – email
them to yourself!
Questions…?
Did you meet today’s goals?

By the end of the period, I will:




have chosen my ISU topic
have planned my search strategy
have started my search
What difficulties did I have?

who can help me?