Establishing Research Problems [5 points]

A. Topic Definition

Complete the "Topic Definition" Worksheet, using the model found in Information Literacy and You, "Defining Your Topic".

Goal: To practice establishing research questions

1. Identify a broad idea for possible research topic.
2. Identify three or four possible sub-concepts that could evolve from that broad topic, and the subdivisions of each sub-concept that might be possibilities for investigation. You are NOT limited to the arrangement provided on the worksheet. Attach another sheet if you prefer.
3. Select one of the possible sub-concepts and more completely develop the idea by making a more complete diagram.
4. Translate that sub-concept into a research question.
5. Prepare eight questions that would be necessary to ask to help answer the research

B. Constructing Search Statements

Complete the "Constructing Search Statements" Worksheet, using this model.
[ http://www.libraries.psu.edu/crsweb/infolit/lst301h/searchstrategies/searchstrategies1.html ]

Goal: To translate a research question into an effective search statement.

1. Identify concepts within the research question. Please each concept at the top of a column.
2. Brainstorm vocabulary for each of the concepts. Place synonyms in vertical columns, using the connector OR
3. Prepare a complete search statement that represents the relationship of all search terms on the worksheet.
   

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Due: week 4

Meet with the Honors Advisor [5 points]

Goal: to investigate the requirements of preparing and submitting honors theses in your department.

Meet with the thesis advisor in your department. Based on this discussion,
complete the worksheet: "Meeting with Honors Advisor Questions and Notes".

Because honors thesis vary considerably from department to department, it is important for you to get to know the expectations specific to your situation. Since the honor's advisor in the departments reviews all theses produced by students in that department, they are probably the best source of the above information. However, if you already have a thesis advisor, or know of a past Honor's advisor in your department that you would prefer to meet with, please let us know.

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 Due: week 5

A. Identifying Reference Sources using the CAT [5 points]

Goal: To identify appropriate reference resources to answer a research problem.

1. Search the CAT, using appropriate subject headings and key words as described in column 3 of 'Analyzing the question to identify the appropriate resource' (week #3 reading)
2. Complete the worksheet 'Identifying sources using the CAT'.

B. Problem Statement [5 points]

Goal: To translate research question into a single problem statement

Write a problem statement consisting of several sentences that briefly frame the issues to be investigated, indicate the significance of the question, and include a declaration of what you will do.

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Due week 6

Selecting databases - print and electronic [5 points]
(indexes and abstracts to journals ~ newspapers ~dissertations)

Complete the "Selecting databases - print and electronic" worksheet

Goal: To identify appropriate electronic and print databases to identify journals, newspapers, and dissertations.

Using the Electronic Resources A-Z list of databases, and also the CAT, complete the worksheet to list all databases and print indexes /abstracts that you think are appropriate for your broad topic. Indicate if articles are available in full text. Add special notes as necessary.

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Due week 6 search set # 1 [5 points]Complete Search Set worksheet #1

Due week 8 search set # 2 [5 points] Complete Search Set worksheet #2

Due week 9 search set # 3 [5 points] Search Set worksheet #3

Due week 10 search set # 4 [5 points] Complete Search Set worksheet #4

Goal: to conduct database searches, refine search strategies and practice search techniques for various databases.

1. Following the directions on each search set worksheet, select appropriate database[s] for your topic.
2. Use the search techniques shown in the class demonstrations and readings. Use online help as necessary.
3. Submit a printout of search citation results.
   
   On each printout include search terms used to retrieve results. These may be included in the results statement. If not, you must write in the search statement used to retrieve each set of results. Note that sometimes you can request that a 'search history' be emailed.
   
   [These printouts will be returned so that you can include them in your portfolio].
4. On the printout, highlight the entries you expect will have value for your work.

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Due week 11

Student Internet Demo [pass/fail]

Teams will demonstrate assigned search engines, using advanced search techniques, and describe the strengths and weaknesses of the engine.

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Due: week 12

Comparison of Internet Resources [5 points]

Goal: to understand differences in search engines

For your topic, use two different search engines

1. For each, describe your search strategies and compare results. Compare results with those from library databases you searched in previous assignments. [approximately 150 words]
2. Select three sites useful to your research problem. Evaluate the sites you select, using the criteria in your readings.
   

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Due: week 15

A. Research Summary and Annotated Bibliography [25 points]

This project is a written presentation of the findings of the most important resources you identified in your literature searches. We expect that the literature upon which this project is based will come from your most recent, more refined searches, reflect the scholarly literature, and be appropriately current for your topic.

Begin with an approximately 250-300 word research summary. This will be a synthesis of the current state of knowledge, will include any controversies identified, and will identify areas that need further research.

The annotated bibliography section should include 20-25 of the most important articles and other resources that will support investigation in your topic. Each annotation should report both the research findings as well as the value to your own project.

For background readings on preparing abstracts, see the following:

About Abstracts: Writing Abstracts; Types of Abstracts; Qualities of a Good Abstract
From LEO: Literacy Education Online (St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota, [Judith Kilborn]

Online Technical Writing: Abstracts
[Austin Community College: maintained by David A. McMurrey]

Writing Abstracts [Writers Workshop, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign]

B. The Revised Portfolio [25 points]

Your working portfolio is the progressive accumulation of assignments and literature searching that you are doing through the course of the semester.

Your revised portfolio is the culmination of work for the class, and is your opportunity to refine and expand the work done for many of your assignments. The portfolio should provide a model for conducting future literature research.

Review each assignment from the perspective of having completed the class and conducted a broad range of research. You should know more, and have clearer ideas about the possibilities for research for your topic.

Your revised portfolio will include:

• " Original assignments & worksheets: the original version of each assignment and worksheet for those indicated on the main assignment page
• " Revised assignments & worksheets: a revised version of each worksheet. Be sure to indicate 'revised' on that copy
• " Revised database printouts: a set of printouts from the three best databases, the CAT, AND one search internet engine for your topic [10- 15 citations each]
• " Literature Reviews: copies of two literature reviews on your topic
• " Relevant articles: copies of at least 5 of the most relevant articles you found. If you have copied more during the course of your research, include these as well.
  

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