CH26 - Strategies For Conducting Research Flashcards
What are the two basic kinds of research?
Primary research and secondary research
Define primary research
First-person accounts useful for local issues with little published research available
List some examples of primary research methods
- Interviews
- Surveys
- Questionnaires
- Observations and analysis
- Ethnography
Define secondary research
Research that requires reading published studies to learn about a topic and develop conclusions
List some examples of sources for secondary research
- Academic journal articles
- Governmental reports
- Raw data and statistics
- Trade and professional organization data
True or False: A persuasive argument typically includes both primary and secondary research.
True
What is the purpose of secondary research in the context of homelessness in Saskatoon?
To establish best practices, trends, statistics, and current research about homelessness
What types of local groups can be interviewed for primary research on homelessness?
- Local homeless advocates
- Shelter and outreach employees
- People experiencing homelessness
- Researchers or university-affiliated groups
Where is a good starting point for conducting online research?
Google and Google Scholar
What is the difference between Google and Google Scholar?
Google provides popular sources; Google Scholar searches only academic and scientific journals
What type of sources does the University of Saskatchewan Library provide?
- Databases
- Peer-reviewed journals
- Books
- Various media
Fill in the blank: Library resources are more tightly controlled and _______ than general internet sources.
vetted
What is a common type of library source that provides access to academic journals?
Databases
True or False: All peer-reviewed articles are guaranteed to be accurate and useful.
False
What is a recommended strategy for refining search results?
Use quotation marks around specific phrases
What should you do if you need help finding sources for your report?
Reach out to the librarians at the University of Saskatchewan
What is the first step in the research process?
Determining a focused topic and research question
What does the research process require according to the text?
A back and forth between sources, ideas, and the rhetorical situation
What is the significance of using both primary and secondary research in reports?
It strengthens the research and makes arguments more persuasive
What is an example of a specialized journal mentioned in the text?
Computers & Composition
Fill in the blank: Databases are specialized search services that provide access to _______.
academic and scientific journals, newspapers, and magazines
What is an example of a primary research method that involves direct interaction?
Interviews
Why is it important to use a wide range of keywords in research?
Not all terms will result in the same information
What does the term ‘ethnography’ refer to?
The study and description of people, cultures, and customs
True or False: Academic and scientific journals undergo rigorous processes and revisions before publication.
True
What can Google be used for in the context of research?
To find news articles, popular sources, and discover keywords
What should you do if you hit a wall in your research?
Consult the librarians at the University of Saskatchewan
