The purpose of this guide is to help you find research materials online and in the library. You may use the tabs above to navigate within this research guide related to English & Humanities.
Before you begin searching for information, you must identify keywords related to your topic. Find keywords:
When brainstorming keywords remember to ask yourself the who, what, when, where, and why of your topic.
Who is involved?
A specific age group, occupation, ethnic group, gender, etc.
What is the problem?
What is the issue facing the "who" in your topic? Health concerns, job and economic trends, contaminated drinking water?
Where is it happening?
A specific country, region, city, physical environment, rural vs. urban, etc.
When is this happening?
Is this a current issue or an historical event? Will you discuss the historical development of a current problem?
Why is it happening / Why is this a problem?
You may want to focus on causes or argue the importance of this problem by outlining historical or current ramifications. Or you may decide to persuade your instructor and class why they should care about the issue.
The following publications can be found in the library databases with the exception of Internet Sites. They each have strengths and weaknesses depending on the type of information you are seeking.
Searching for a phrase?
Putting it in quotation marks tells the search that you want that exact phrase, not just any of the words contained within it.
Ex: "genetically modified foods"
"weight loss"
WHAT IS AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY?
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 100 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.
ANNOTATIONS VS. ABSTRACTS (SUMMARIES)
Abstracts are the purely descriptive summaries often found at the beginning of scholarly journal articles or in periodical indexes. Annotations are descriptive and critical; they expose the author's point of view, clarity and appropriateness of expression, and authority.
THE PROCESS
Creating an annotated bibliography calls for the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research.
First, locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic. Briefly examine and review the actual items. Then choose those works that provide a variety of perspectives on your topic.
Cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate style.
Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that (a) evaluate the authority or background of the author, (b) comment on the intended audience, (c) compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, or (d) explain how this work illuminates your bibliography topic.
What is the difference between a journal and an article?
Scholarly Periodicals – Journals
Popular Periodicals – Magazines
