- Borrowing
Engaging in the research process requires an approach akin to the scientific method, particularly when conducting literature searches. While it may seem complex at first, it becomes more manageable and effective with practice.
1. Brainstorming and Planning
The initial phase of the research process involves brainstorming relevant keywords that reflect the core concepts of your topic. This requires careful consideration of discipline-specific terminology, as well as potential synonyms and related terms that could broaden or refine your search. Keeping a record of these keywords throughout your research is essential, as you will likely encounter additional relevant terms and expert vocabulary that you had not anticipated. These new insights can significantly improve the depth and breadth of your search results.
2. Constructing a Search Strategy
Once you have developed a comprehensive list of keywords, the next step is to construct an effective search strategy. This involves determining where to conduct your search (e.g., specific databases or search engines) and deciding how to combine your keywords using appropriate Boolean operators and search techniques. A well-planned strategy helps ensure a focused and efficient search process.
3. Selecting and Searching Databases and Websites
The selection of appropriate databases is a crucial component of the research process. Different databases cover distinct subject areas, and using multiple databases will provide a more comprehensive set of results. It is important to adapt your keywords and search strategies to the specific requirements and features of each database. Searching across multiple databases—and revisiting them as needed—will increase the quality and relevance of the information you gather.
4. Evaluating Your Search
Research, including literature searching, is an iterative process, not a linear one. It is essential to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of your searches. Are your results relevant? Do they align with your research questions? Based on these evaluations, you may need to refine your keywords, adjust your search strategies, or explore additional sources. This reflective process enhances the quality and focus of your research.
5. Managing Your Results
As you gather literature, it is vital to organize and manage your findings systematically. Using citation management tools, such as Zotero, can help you store, categorize, and cite your sources efficiently. This organization not only streamlines the research process but also supports academic integrity and effective synthesis of your findings in future writing.
Consider the following:
What perspectives are presented?
Who has the strongest voice in this conversation? Why?
How would you evaluate the authority of the authors?
Who are the intended audiences?
How would you involve yourself in this conversation?