IMPORTANT:
Students will be prompted for their Canvas login to access research databasesand eBook collections from off campus!
Concept Maps link your Related Issues to your Main Topic and link your Details (or examples in the form of information sources) that support your Thesis or Research Statement.
Research Databases usually have BASIC and ADVANCED SEARCH areas.
When given a choice, click on the ADVANCED SEARCH area of the databases and utilize the drop down menus to the right of each search box (start with the default "Select a Field").
Use the database LIMITERS in the Advanced Search Section to Select Primary Source Documents in each specialized database - OR - if not available, select Letters, Speeches or other primary source types, if available, in the "Publication Type" box:
RESEARCH STEPS:
1.Select the most appropriate research database for your research need.
Suggested Databaws - EBSCOHost Academic Search Complete
2. Use the KEYWORDS and PHRASES you developed in your CONCEPT MAP to search.
Your main subject is identified in the center of you Concept Map and should be what you search in a BASIC SEARCH AREA - or - on the very top line in the Advanced Search area.
PHRASE SEARCHING
Searching on two or more words must have quotation marks around them.
Examples of phrases. "civil war" or "women's suffrage" or "founding fathers" - Try to limit to no more than three words in quotes and do not put quotes around one word only.
BOOLEAN OPERATORS
Also, in the Advanced Search areas, utilize the drop down BOOLEAN OPERATORS to the left of the search boxes (Ex. AND, OR or NOT):
Use AND Boolean Operator to narrow a search and combine different ideas
OR Boolean Operator widens a search using synonyms -- OR gives you mORe
NOT Boolean Operator narrows a search to remove unwanted terms
Combine search terms to further narrow a search by (NESTING) words and phrases and create your SEARCH QUERY