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BIOL 2051/2053: Biology Laboratory

Basic Research Process

  1. Deconstruct your assignment: Create a checklist & take research notes.

    -Due dates, source requirements, citation styles, length/types of project, keywords, etc.
    -Research notes using Google Docs, EverNote, Zotero, etc.
    -Understand the nature of Information. What is;
    --Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary?
    --Scholarly sources?
    --Peer-reviewed articles?

    (Videos)
    Primary, Secondary, & Tertiary Sources (2:23)     created by Suffolk County Community College Library
    Study Help: Scholarly Sources Explained (2:22) created by the University of South Australia
    Research Article vs Review Article (4:47) created by Winspire (Scientific Writing)
     
  2. Identify and develop your topic:
    (Video) How to Develop a Good Research Topic created by KStateLibraries

    --Find a topic that interests you
    --State your topic as a question 
      (e.g."How do pH and temperature affect enzyme activity on apple?" )
    --Identify the main concepts and keywords 
       (e.g."How do pH and temperature affect enzyme activity on apple?" )
     
  3. Explore Background Information: Use subject & online encyclopedias

    --Find an overview/background of a topic
    --Find additional useful sources listed in the Bibliography
    --Identify more keywords (or subject terms) on your topic:
       Synonyms, Broader & Narrower, related, or variant terms
     
  4. Develop your Search Strategy

    -Do a trial database search in ASC (Academic Search Complete) using a few of the key terms for your topic
    -Review the first few articles and focus on and identify the subject terms used for your further search
    -Build a search statement by using Boolean operators (AND, NOT, OR) and modifiers like quotations and wildcards (* ?)

    (Example)


    (Video) Boolean Operators- And, Or, & Not (2:23) created by ulv wilson library

    -Revise your search


    -Access the needed information: choose appropriate databases/resources
    --Use HPU Discovery to find books, articles, videos, and other library materials
    --Use Databases to find articles (journals, magazines, news, reports, books reviews, etc.)
    --Use Google Scholars & other websites:
     
  5.  Manage & Organize Gathered Information

    -It allows you to know where you have been, where you are, and where you are going on the research journey.
    -Use Google Docs to take Research Notes.

    -Use a citation management tool: 
     Zotero, EndNote (EndNote Basic), and Mendeley to help you stay organized, take notes, and cite your literature review.

  6. Read and Evaluate what you found:

    -Read your sources and take notes
    -Review your results
    -Keep track of what your are finding
    -Revise/refine your search as necessary