SPC1608 Prof. Bieselin: Getting Started

Follow these steps to conduct research for the assignments:

Step 1: Choose and define your topic (preliminary research)

Explore recommended databases (see the box below) to choose a topic and read about it, so you can refine it and get instructor's approval.

Create a list of keywords and other information to use when you search.

Step 2: Search for the following sources:

• Books (in Quick Search)
• Academic/Scholarly Journal articles (in Databases -or see recommended below-)
• Newspapers/magazines articles (in Quick Search or in Databases)

Step 3: Use the information and cite them in APA Format

Some databases include a "Citation Tool" that helps you cite their sources. If you use it, be careful: remember to not COPY+PASTE, but instead COPY+PASTE+CORRECT.

How do you "correct" them? Check this APA Guide  or Ask a Librarian!

The following databases are great for exploring topics:

Type-in your topic in the box below to search the "Library Catalog" also called "Quick Search"

This "all-in-one search" includes books, ebooks, videos, articles & more:

Newspaper articles:

Peer-reviewed articles in Academic Search Complete (and other EBSCO databases):

To search for scholarly sources that are "peer-reviewed" in databases such as "Academic Search Complete" (EBSCO), make sure to click the button with that option on the search page, as shown here:

Documenting your research: Avoid plagiarism!

• Always cite the sources you use, even if you "paraphrase" (put it into your own words.)
• If you copy+paste the citation provided in the database's "Citation Tool", check the rules and CORRECT any mistakes.
• When in doubt... ask a librarian!

Link to Citing Guides

Note: If the quiz doesn't work, click here to open in a new window.