Effective Research Strategies

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary advantage of using databases?

They contain limited information.

They offer information that has already passed the reliability test. (correct)

They are always free to access.

They provide only general information.

The information in databases can usually be found easily on the internet.

False

What should be included when identifying keywords for research?

Essential terms and related phrases.

The information found in databases has already _____ the test.

passed; reliability Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of research with its focus:

Descriptive = Focus on the nature of a topic Causal = Focus on the effects of a topic Comparative = Focus on comparing two or more topics Exploratory = Focus on discovering new insights or questions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a tip for effective keyword searching?

Try searching with synonyms Signup and view all the answers

Causal research aims to explicitly analyze the relationships between variables.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does comparative research aim to analyze?

The similarities and differences between two or more topics. Signup and view all the answers

Descriptive research primarily focuses on _____________________.

explaining the nature of a topic. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential feature of the research cited by schools?

They often cite articles behind paywalls. Signup and view all the answers

What does the CRAAP test evaluate?

Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose Signup and view all the answers

All research should be influenced by researcher bias.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a peer-reviewed source?

A research article that has been evaluated by experts in the field for accuracy and quality. Signup and view all the answers

__________ information is false information that is intentionally created to deceive or mislead.

Disinformation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of credibility with their definitions:

Currency = Timeliness of the information Relevance = Direct connection to the research topic Authority = Credibility of the author Accuracy = Correctness and reliability of the information Signup and view all the answers

Which question is focused on evaluating a topic?

What are its implications? Signup and view all the answers

Accuracy means that the information presented is biased.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one component that defines high-quality research.

A well-defined research question Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of information in research can be to , , or __.

inform, persuade, entertain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect to consider when assessing a source's credibility?

Popularity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Databases & Keywords

Databases offer pre-vetted information, avoiding the need for initial fact-checking.
Specialized, unique research is often found only in databases.
Schools provide access to databases; this includes paid subscription services, providing access to resources not freely available elsewhere, like premium news sites.
Proper citation is crucial in research.

Keywords Tips & Tricks

Be precise and concise in your keyword selection.
Use essential terms, avoiding vague or broad ones.
Employ synonyms and related terms.
Instead of "fast fashion," search "fast fashion industry" or "sustainable fashion."
Employ Boolean operators (AND/OR) to refine searches (e.g., "fast fashion AND environmental impact," "fast fashion OR sustainable fashion").
Identify keywords through topic analysis and relevant sources.
Add filters (e.g., date, format, language) to narrow your search results.

Research Types

Descriptive Research

Focuses on the description and characteristics of a topic.
Explores what a topic entails and prevailing views.
Examines current discussions and debates.
Aims to present, summarize, and explain a specific facet of an issue.
Examples: the origins of TikTok, the impact of privacy rights on TikTok.

Causal Research

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationships of a topic.
Examines the reasons behind a phenomenon.
Identifies causal factors that drove a situation.
Aims to determine "why" and "how" a topic's origins or impact occurred.
Examples: origins of fast fashion industry, impacts of fast fashion on the environment.

Comparative Research

Focuses on comparing different aspects of a topic.
Explores similarities and differences between comparable topics.
Aims to compare and contrast specific topics.
Examples: compare and contrast various types of soda, compare and contrast fast fashion and slow fashion.

Impact/Implication Research

Focuses on the consequences of a topic and the reasons why these consequences exist.
Examines factors that drive particular results or outcomes.
Aims to understand what the consequences of a topic are and how they are impactful. - Examines factors that influence those outcomes and their impact.
Examples: the impact of fast fashion on the environment, the implications of the rise of fast fashion on the sustainability of the industry.

Evaluative Research

Focuses on evaluating or assessing a subject.
Assesses positive or negative aspects of topics (e.g., strengths, weaknesses).
Studies the impact and influence of a topic on others.
Avoids subjective opinions or biases.
Examples: evaluating the sustainability of fast fashion, examining the effectiveness of certain environmental initiatives relating to fast fashion.

Source Credibility

Research should pass the CRAAP Test.

CRAAP Test Criteria

Currency: The timeliness of the information.
Relevance: The importance of the information to your topic.
Authority: The reputation and qualifications of the information's source.
Accuracy: The accuracy, reliability, and truthfulness.
Purpose: The purpose and intended audience of the information

Currency Questions:

Is the information up-to-date?
Is it current for the specific research topic?

Relevance Questions:

Is the source directly related to your topic?
Does the source address the needs of your research?

Authority Questions:

Is the author qualified to discuss their topic?
What are the author's credentials and potential biases in relation to the topic?

Accuracy Questions:

Is the information supported by evidence?
Is the information verifiable?
Is the writing clear and unbiased?

Purpose Questions:

What is the purpose of the information (e.g., inform, persuade, entertain)?

High-Quality Research

Well-defined research question
Focused research method or methods
Clear research hypothesis
Examples:
- Topic: Fast Fashion
- Question: How is fast fashion harming the environment?
- Hypothesis: Fast fashion harms the environment.
Minimal researcher bias
High-quality and reliable data
Qualitative data: Concepts not represented by numerical values, often from interviews, focus groups, personal accounts, etc.
Quantitative data: Measurable and quantifiable information, able to be assigned a numerical value.
Clear and understandable writing, and supporting evidence
Conclusion and findings should align with the methods and data.

Other Key Credibility Terms

Peer-reviewed source: A researched article subjected to expert critique.
Misinformation: Incorrect or out-of-context information that is disguised as factual.
Disinformation: Deliberately false information aiming to mislead.
CRAAP Test: A method to evaluate a research source's trustworthiness.
Credible source: A highly reliable reference with verifiable facts.

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Description

This quiz explores the importance of databases in research, highlighting their role in providing verified information and specialized resources. You'll also learn about the significance of precise keyword selection and effective search strategies to enhance your research capabilities.