140 likes | 226 Views
Mr. Gonzalez’s really fantastic lesson about using databases. Where to start?. What is the question? Or what do you have to find? Is it “hard” or “soft” research? Which database works best?. Three major databases. Google EBSCO Host Username: s4818327 Password: crica Online Catalog.
E N D
Mr. Gonzalez’s really fantastic lesson about using databases
Where to start? • What is the question? Or what do you have to find? • Is it “hard” or “soft” research? • Which database works best?
Three major databases • Google • EBSCO Host • Username: s4818327 • Password: crica • Online Catalog
Research Steps • Start broad • Narrow results • Use the “invisible” web • Stockpile information • Filter and validate • Make up your mind and write
Try it • Open all three databases • Search “consciousness” in all three • How many results to you get in each one? • What kind of results do you get?
4 easy tips • Keep it simple • Start by typing the name of the thing, place or concept . • Add relevant words • Puppy-> Puppy training-> Dalmatian puppy training class • Try words that a website would use • Not ideal: why does my head hurt? Better: headache • Use only the important words in the sentence • Country where bats are a good omen • Bats good luck
Get the general info • After finding out the basics pick out key terms and people • Add the people and terms to your search • OR – AND – NOT
“or” or ~ • “Or” adds information to your search • OR logic is most commonly used to search for synonymous terms or concepts
And or + • “AND” logic narrows your search • And helps find things that are specific
Not or - • “NOT” logic will exclude certain results • Be careful when using “not”. The results will exclude any websites or documents with the word you are excluding. • For example you would not find a website that was titles “cats are smarter than dogs”
Other tips • Use quotes to find the exact set of word • “imagine all the people” • Use “site:” to search a specific site or kind • Example: consciousness site: .edu
Stockpile info • Bookmark or save info in some way. • Come back later! • I use Pearl Trees • www.pearltrees.com
Filter and validate info • Consider the author/source and date • How does it look? • Be suspicious of medical pages with medical/scientific advertisements • Can you tell the author’s bias? Ranting? Too much praise? • Go with your gut
Make up your mind and use • Write • Make sure you document the resources you use • www.easybib.com