Master the Art of Research: SOC 340 Using OneSearch

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Research at the Library
3. Sample Topic: Syria and the Syrian Refugee Crisis
4. Searching in OneSearch
5. Using Limiters and Advanced Search
6. Narrowing Down the Topic
7. Adding Additional Keywords
8. Filtering for Peer-Reviewed Articles
9. Accessing Full Text Articles
10. Citations and Referencing
11. Conclusion

Article:

Introduction

Hello everyone! In this article, I will guide you on how to conduct research at the library for your class project. My name is Anne Hayes, and I am an associate professor and librarian at the CSI Library. I will walk you through various research methods using a sample topic of Syria and the Syrian refugee crisis, specifically focusing on the migration of Syrians into Turkey. Let's dive in!

Overview of Research at the Library

Before we delve into the specifics of our sample topic, let's understand the importance of conducting research at the library. The library is a treasure trove of information, housing an extensive collection of databases, books, and other resources. By utilizing these resources, you can gather reliable and credible information to support your project.

Sample Topic: Syria and the Syrian Refugee Crisis

For the purpose of this article, our sample topic will revolve around Syria and the Syrian refugee crisis. We will specifically explore the migration of Syrians into Turkey and the various aspects related to it. Keep in mind that you can apply the research methods discussed here to any topic of your choice.

Searching in OneSearch

To begin your research journey, head over to the CSI Library's website and access the OneSearch tool. This powerful tool allows you to search multiple databases and the library's book catalog simultaneously. By conducting a single search, you can access a wide array of resources relevant to your topic.

Using Limiters and Advanced Search

As you start your search in OneSearch, you may notice that the results are quite extensive. To refine your search and make it more manageable, utilize the available limiters on the left side of the screen. These limiters enable you to specify the type of resources you are looking for, such as articles, books, or videos.

Additionally, consider using the advanced search option in OneSearch. This feature allows you to add specific aspects or keywords related to your topic, further narrowing down the results and making them more tailored to your needs.

Narrowing Down the Topic

After your initial search, you will need to narrow down your topic to focus on the specific aspects you wish to explore in your project. For example, if you are interested in the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis on labor markets, you can refine your search by adding relevant keywords or phrases.

Remember, the goal is to find the most relevant and significant information related to your topic. Narrowing down the scope will help you achieve this objective.

Adding Additional Keywords

If you find that your initial search still yields a large number of results, you can further narrow it down by adding additional keywords or exploring related terms. This step allows you to dig deeper into specific subtopics or angles within your main research area.

For example, in the case of Syrian refugees and the impact of COVID-19 on their situation, you can add "COVID-19" as another keyword to focus on the current influence of the pandemic on this crisis.

Filtering for Peer-Reviewed Articles

To ensure the credibility and reliability of your sources, it is essential to filter for peer-reviewed articles. Peer-reviewed articles undergo a rigorous process of evaluation by experts in the field, guaranteeing high-quality scholarly content.

In OneSearch, you can utilize the available options to filter your results and exclusively display peer-reviewed journal articles. This step ensures that the information you gather is from trustworthy sources and contributes to the academic discourse surrounding your chosen topic.

Accessing Full Text Articles

Once you have narrowed down your search and found relevant articles, the next step is to access the full text version. In OneSearch, you will find options to view or download the article in various formats, such as PDF or HTML.

Make sure to take advantage of these features, as they allow you to read the articles directly on your screen or save them for later reference. Additionally, explore the different databases to which the articles belong, as each database may provide unique functionalities and features.

Citations and Referencing

Proper citation and referencing are crucial when incorporating information from external sources into your project. OneSearch and other databases often provide citation options that generate automatic citations for the articles you find. However, it is essential to compare these citations with the referencing guidelines provided by your professor, such as the Chicago style.

Double-checking ensures that your citations follow the correct format and include all the necessary details for your bibliography or references section.

Conclusion

In conclusion, conducting research at the library is a vital step in developing an informative and well-rounded project. By utilizing the OneSearch tool, applying advanced search techniques, and filtering for peer-reviewed articles, you can gather reliable information and strengthen your academic work. Remember to always cite your sources accurately and consult with your professor for additional guidance and support throughout your research process.

Highlights:

• Conducting research at the library is essential for acquiring reliable and credible information.
• The OneSearch tool enables simultaneous searching of multiple databases and the library catalog.
• Limiters and advanced search options help refine search results and narrow down the topic.
• Adding additional keywords allows for deeper exploration of specific subtopics.
• Filtering for peer-reviewed articles ensures the use of high-quality scholarly sources.
• Access full-text articles in various formats and utilize different databases.
• Pay attention to proper citation and referencing using the recommended style.

FAQ:

Q: How can I access the OneSearch tool? A: You can access the OneSearch tool on the CSI Library's website. Simply navigate to the library's website and search for OneSearch in the search bar or explore the available research tools section.

Q: What is the significance of filtering for peer-reviewed articles? A: Filtering for peer-reviewed articles ensures that the information you gather comes from reliable and scholarly sources. Peer-reviewed articles undergo rigorous evaluation by experts in the field, guaranteeing the quality and credibility of the content.

Q: Can I save the articles I find in OneSearch for later reference? A: Yes, you can save articles for later reference. OneSearch provides options to download articles in various formats, such as PDF or HTML. Additionally, you can create a folder or bookmark the articles within the OneSearch tool for easy access in the future.

Q: How should I cite the articles I find using OneSearch? A: OneSearch and other databases often provide automatic citation options for the articles you find. However, it is essential to compare these generated citations with the referencing guidelines recommended by your professor, such as the Chicago style. This ensures accurate and proper citation of your sources.

Q: What if I need additional guidance or support during the research process? A: If you require further assistance or guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to your professor or a librarian at the CSI Library. They are there to help and can provide you with valuable advice, resources, and support throughout your research journey.