research paper boot camp webinar spring 2015

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Research Paper Boot Camp Suzanne Schriefer, Librarian Bethany Marston, Learning Services Coordinator LLS Webinar Series – Spring 2015

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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

POLL #1

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

POLL #2

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

Let’s See the Databases in Action!

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:

Create an Outline

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

POLL #3

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

POLL #4