Research.senior thesis 2011
107
Transcript of Research.senior thesis 2011
WARNING:
*Seriously.
The presentation you are about to
see contains not only nudity and
critical thinking, but also information
about research and databases.
Senior-level thinking is strongly
encouraged.*
Dixon, CA
Mountain View,
CA
“If you can’t run with the big
dogs, you’d better stay on
the porch with the pups.”
-- Dixon Saying
Big Dogs/Databases Users
Big Dog/Database
User
Big Dog/Database
User
Horse
Big Dog/
Database User
Definitely a Database User
Pups/Afraid or Unaware of the
Databases
Pups/Non-Database Users
Not Ready for Senior Thesis
Can you tell which uses the
databases?
Yes
Probably
Not
Databases & ResearchWinter/Spring 2011
1.
2.
3.
Savvy Senior Thesis
Student1.
Nice scarf
WAIT!
Why would the
savvy student start
with the
databases?
Isn’t it easier to just go
to Google?
Advantages, in short:
•Reliability
•Coverage
•Often used for
college-level research
Database
advantages, getting started:
Helps finding
information, keywords, and
search terms.
.
If the databases are
so great, why do so
many people just
use the Internet?
One reason that people
don’t always use the
databases is that they
require some “know how”
– some practice using
them to see how they
work.
Also: It often takes some
time, some patience, and
some trial and error to
find what you’re looking
for.
One reason that people
don’t always use the
databases is that they
require some “know how”
– some practice using
them to see how they
work.
Also: It often takes some
time, some patience, and
some trial and error to
find what you’re looking
for.
One reason that people
don’t always use the
databases is that they
require some “know how”
– some practice using
them to see how they
work.
Also: It often takes some
time, some patience, and
some trial and error to
find what you’re looking
for.
One reason that people
don’t always use the
databases is that they
require some “know how”
– some practice using
them to see how they
work.
Also: It often takes some
time, some patience, and
some trial and error to
find what you’re looking
for.
One reason that people
don’t always use the
databases is that they
require some “know how”
– some practice using
them to see how they
work.
Also: It often takes some
time, some patience, and
some trial and error to
find what you’re looking
for.
So … what do you
need to know to
use the
databases?
First, you need to know
where to look.
Then you should
try to figure out
which database
to use.
Then you may need the username
and/or password .. Which is always
mvspartan(from school or from home)
Then it’s time for some
searching – probably some
form of educated trial and
error.
Suh-weeet! I
know how to do
this.
*Notes from a sample search for an article like
“A Change of Heart About Animals.”
Mr. Lundholm’s notes
Search Terms he tried.
Notes to himself (green).
Irrelevant book numbers that
indicate he was helping a student in
the middle of this search.
His check through all the
databases to see which ones
yielded results.
A demonstration ...
What is the history of the
sandwich?
Final Score
Student: 0/5 = 0% success
Mr. L: 4/5 = 80% success
Where might you see databases in
the future?
UC (511)
State
State #2
Community College
No bribes were paid for the
comments on the following slide..
I swear.
Tips for Faster and/or More
Effective Searches.• Check your spelling
• Remember that each database is slightly different.
• Experiment with search terms, and try a different one if the one you’re using isn’t working.
• Be patient.
• Be persistent.
• Know when to quit a search that is not working.
• Use the tabs at the top.
• Use the search terms on the side.
• Read the summaries and/or titles before going to the articles.
• Read through the article carefully to find information.
• Once you find a helpful article, take note of the search terms.
• Ask for help if you need it.
Final Words of Wisdom
Websites to Search
• Wired
• The Atlantic
• The Wall Street Journal
• The New York Times
• National Geographic
• Newsweek
• Time
• Harper’s*
• The New Yorker
• Rolling Stone*
• Science
Magazines
• U.S. News &
World Report
• Psychology
Today
* = must look it up
in the library
Yes
