research paper boot camp webinar spring 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Research Paper Boot Camp
Suzanne Schriefer, Librarian
Bethany Marston, Learning Services Coordinator
LLS Webinar Series – Spring 2015
Objectives
An overview of the Research Process
Review of Library Tools and Note-Taking Strategies
Outlining, Thesis, and Paragraph Writing Techniques
In short, you use your source material (Research) AND your own insights (Analysis) to prove your thesis/point(s).
Research:Find and cite source material in various parts
of your paper in an attempt to prove your conclusions.
Analysis:You need to investigate and then evaluate sources to provide insight on why the
research matters/is relevant.
Q: What is a Research Paper?
A listing of facts on a topicA summaryReporting what someone else has said
Important Reminder:Copying another author’s work without properly citing him or her in your paper is plagiarism, and plagiarism is strictly prohibited!
Q: What is NOT a Research Paper?
The stretch before the run!Read your assignment CAREFULLY!
ASK QUESTIONS! Contact your instructor early and frequently to discuss your questions and topic ideas.
Know the Facts Before Starting
What is the length of the paper? How many sources are required? What type of sources are required? Is the topic provided or do you have to narrow
down the topic yourself? Are there keywords or phrases that you do not
understand? What are the important deadlines/due dates? Special notes from instructors.
Things To Know…
Brainstorm.
Make a plan.
Divide your time into thirds:1/3 time Researching1/3 time Writing1/3 time Proofing/Editing
Make a Calendar and Plan
You can’t run a marathon before you run the mile!
Preview: Do some background research:
TextbookEncyclopediaGoogle Search
Keywords: Identify keywords that describe your topic
Consider related words (synonyms) that describe concepts
Use a thesaurus!
Preview Your Topic and Find Keywords
Defines the reason you are writing.
The thesis is the road map of your paper.
Clearly indentifies the topic being discussed.
Is specific: It should cover only what is being
discussed in the paper.
Is arguable: Your research needs to support this idea.
Ideally, it is one sentence long and located at the
end of your introduction.
Develop a Working Thesis
Our Practice Paper for Today…Your instructor has just assigned you a
Research Paper on:
“Why Rasmussen is Awesome”A graphic organizer might help you
brainstorm ideas.
Great Instructors
SupportCommunity Involvement
Now that you are warmed up and you have made a plan, it is time to run the race!
QUICK TIP: You must have adequate research to back your ideas or the paper will not cross the finish line.
Research Time
A system for taking notes is vital to organization.
Notebook paper
Index cards
Electronic note-taking apps
TIP: Write information in your own words. Put “quotation marks” around word-for-word info.
Start Taking Notes
Label your notes with source information
Record the bibliographic information for every resource you use in your research
Create a folder to hold source material
Use NoodleBib to create a references list citation for all of source material. You can edit later.
References Page and NoodleBib
NoodleBibAccess through the:
• Student Portal > Library Resources
• Online Class > Resources Tab
User name: firstname.lastnamePassword: Rasmussen student password
You can’t always judge a book by its cover…but who would you rather get medical advice from?
A. Or B.
Evaluating Sources
CurrencyIs the resource timely?
RelevanceDoes it fulfill an information need?
AuthorityIs the author respected in the field?
AccuracyIs the information accurate and reliable?
PurposeWhy was this written? To educate? Sell?
Persuade?
Evaluating Sources: CRAAP Test
Consider domain names for web sites .edu (educational).gov (government).org (non-profit organization).com (commercial)
Look for important information needed in your References page.
Can you find better info somewhere else?
Evaluating Web Sites
Quality vs. QuantitySearching the Internet may give you information faster, but databases will give you better information.
Rasmussen has 70+ different databases“School of” Guides Discovery All-In-One Search
Databases 101
Importance of Key Words
Searching full text
Define concepts with keywords
Think of synonyms OR Connector
Connect concepts AND Connector
Databases 101, Continued
Quotation Marks◦ Let’s use the term Boot Camp for our search.
No Quotation Marks:
Quotation Marks:
Better Database Searching
Full Text◦ Make sure you are searching for full text only. ◦ Let’s use the term Boot Camp for our search.
Without Full Text:
With Full Text:
Better Database Searching
Peer Reviewed◦ High-quality source.◦ Reviewed and edited by other professionals
before publication.
Better Database Searching
Advanced Options◦ Lets you search titles, authors, subjects, and date
ranges exclusively. ◦ Add other terms to focus the search◦ Let’s use two keywords: “boot camp” and military
Better Database Searching55
9
Let’s narrow it down even more:◦ Use a subject specific database
Full TextPeer Reviewed
Better Database Searching19
Once you have established adequate information, solidify your thesis and organize your information.
The Right Time To Write!
Use the APA online guide:http://guides.rasmussen.edu/apa
Download the APA Sample Paper!
Download the APA Paper Template!
Get help from the Online Writing Lab
Work Smarter, Not Harder!
Cover Page Introduction (Approximately ½ page)
◦ Catches the reader’s attention, sets up needed background information, and presents the Thesis.
Body Paragraphs (Varying lengths)◦ Primary part of the paper. Typically 3+ paragraphs.◦ Information presented to defend/argue the Thesis.◦ Presents cited information from various sources.◦ Each paragraph should be 5+ sentences in length.
Conclusion (Approximately ½ page)◦ Re-evaluates information and has a strong closing.
References List
Components of a Paper
An announcement:◦ My paper will be about…◦ I have researched …and will write…
Obvious:◦ Friendship is important.◦ College is difficult.
A question:◦ How does long-distance friendship work?◦ Which is better, a little dog or a large dog?
Solidify Your Thesis A Thesis is NOT:
Solidify Your Thesis
“Rasmussen rocks because they have great instructors,
wonderful support, and positive community
involvement.”
Great Instructors
Support Community Involvement
“Why Rasmussen is Awesome.”BEFORE:
AFTER:
Expanding Outline, Adding Cited Research, Supporting Thesis
= Your Body Paragraphs!
One of the many reasons Rasmussen is so wonderful is because of the trained instructors available to help. According to a student satisfaction survey done in 2011, 95% of students felt their instructors were “very willing to provide assistance” (Smith, 2011).
Keep expanding this paragraph. Paraphrase content and also provide direct quotes. Give credit where credit is due! Make sure your paragraphs support the thesis.
Use your outline to write the paper. The body paragraphs are the heart and
soul. Paragraphs should present a blend of your
ideas/analysis, and SUPPORT your thesis.
Be sure that you use a topic sentences. 3-5 sentences minimum (with research). At least 1 paragraph per topic of your
outline. Avoid personal pronouns:
◦ You, your, we, I, my, us…
Body Paragraphs
Defined: It is stealing; using words, thoughts, and/or ideas that are not your own.
A paper should be your thoughts SUPPORTED by the research.
Avoid Copy/Paste
It means you can use tiny insights from other authors and properly cite them in your text. Make sure to give the authors credit for their work.
Utilize:◦ Quotation marks◦ Paraphrasing ◦ Proper APA citations
WHEN IN DOUBT, CITE!
Avoid Plagiarism in Your Writing
Proofreading is the polish. This is time to find mistakes and correct them.◦ Formatting and Writing Mistakes◦ Citation Mistakes◦ Accidental Plagiarism
Grammarly (Plug-in is easiest!) Online Writing Lab Tutors (Tutor Match)
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
Hand it in…FINISH LINE!!!!
Best Boot Camp Advice: ASK QUESTIONS!
Writing Assistance & Tools:• Live Chat• Online Writing Lab• Tutor Match• APA Citation Guide• ANSWERS Database• LLC Webinars• NoodleBib