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AP Seminar 23-24

Independence HS

Created on August 7, 2023

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Transcript

IHS Library 2023-2024

AP Seminar

01

bit.ly/apseminar23-24

What is pre-searching?

MackinVia

Database Overview

Favorite Databases

How to Pre-Search

Dissecting an Article

What is source mining?

Search Tactics

Tiers of Sources

Google Scholar

AI

Table of contents

references & resources

Pre-Searching is...

What is pre-searching?

  • the first step of research
  • a great practice for finding inspiration
  • a chance to identify topics of interest
  • a way to brainstorm and gather information about a topic of interest before you commit to your topic
  • the time to use resources that are easy to understand, not complicated long reads (i.e. news, videos, databases etc.)
  • not the time to gather sources (quality matters with sources, not so much with pre-searching)
  • the time to start a list of keywords that stand out to you (don't worry about defining them yet)
  • when you can follow the "trail" your keywords list takes you on
  • the time to ditch a topic you lost interest in and start over with a new topic

Glad you asked!

database = an organized collection of information
The platform FISD uses to access information for academic research.

(MackinVia houses several databases.)

Use the link to log in to MackinVia. Stay on the home page.

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Choose a topic you're passionate about!

Pre-Search Activity

(This makes research much more fun!)

Yay!

Here are some questions to ponder!

What gets you excited?

You will need a topic for today.You can choose your own or pick from a list. Create a list of keywords (let's aim for 10+). Try writing a research question! (perfection is not the goal) Analyzing your topic with different lenses might help.

How do you spend your free time?

Is there a topic you've always wished you knew more about?

Sample Research Questions :

  • What are the most effective dietary changes for treating depression and anxiety?
  • How can we best measure climate change in Sonoran desert regions?
  • What kinds of learners are most successful in online environments?
  • What cultural factors have led to the rise in popularity of zombie film, fiction, and television?

(“LibGuides: First-Year Composition: Research Question”)

Me when pre-searching leads me to the perfect topic!

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How to Pre-Search

  1. Brainstorm search terms and try words in your research question and their synonyms.
  2. Open Gale Power Search to access the Topic Finder.
  3. Search for terms and view the results in the graphic.
  4. Look at all sides of the graphic.
  5. Click on the outer ring of the graphic to read articles related to the topic.

Open one article Topic Finder suggested and leave it open. Copy/paste the MLA citation into the Google Form.

Pre-Searching with Google?

While you want to make sure that your information comes from reputable sites, they don't have to be research-level sites. You will use NONE of this information in your bibliography.

Search Google like a pro!

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Librarian Recommended Sites!

17k authoritative sources in an easy- to-use format.

for AP Seminar

This one is a favorite for ease of use and highlighted current events.

You can search multiple Gale databases here. You can also access Topic Finder here. Topic Finder is helpful at every stage of research.

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Dissecting an Article

Here are the standard features of a database article. This article is from a Gale database.

Dissecting an Article

Here are the standard features of a database article. This article is from a Gale database.

(continued)

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Searching Databases

When searching databases you should...

  • filter for full-text articles
  • filter for peer-reviewed articles
  • set date parameters
  • use abstracts to determine if an article will be useful
(don't forget the advanced search features)

(Peer-reviewed sources are those that have been vetted by scholars in a given field.)

You can search using Boolean operators (and, or, not). Operators link your search terms and define the relationship between them.AND - to narrow your search OR - to expand your search NOT - to narrow your search benefits:

  • accurate searching
  • more relevant results being returned
  • saves you time

Search a Gale database to find a source that is:

  • full text
  • peer-reviewed
  • published since 2013

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Source mining is using your current source to find other useful sources.

What is Source Mining?

It is also called:

  • backward searching
  • forward searching
  • citation mining
  • reference mining
  • bibliography mining

“DuPont Library: Advanced Searching Techniques: Source Mining (Looking Backward).” Sewanee.edu, 2022, library.sewanee.edu/advanced/mining. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023. ‌

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How to Source Mine

Let's give it a try!

Search for an article in Gale.Notice the descriptors/subjects Gale lists to help you find more articles.Try to find a source listed in the bibliography in the databases:*by title/author*by name/date/issue of the source

  • use relevant in-text citations as a guide to choose references cited for further review
  • use links to related subjects & articles
  • try to find referenced sources by title/author in databases
  • try to find referenced sources by source title

(Another reason databases are so cool!)

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The W word...

Never ever put Wikipedia in your bibliography. NEVER. DO YOU HEAR ME?

Icons

But...

Write a subtitle here

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Source Mining the W word

So what makes a source authoritative?

In broad terms... a piece of information whose authenticity is widely recognized by experts in the field or industry. ...pieces from credible publications, established institutions, and industry experts.

This could include government (.gov) and educational or university websites (.edu). It could also include respected publications like Smithsonian Magazine or Harvard Business Review...

Icons

Follow the references and use the source only IF it is authoritative.

Write a subtitle here

Ouellette, Coral. “Authoritative Sources 101: How to Find Reliable Information - WordAgents.” WordAgents, 30 Apr. 2020, www.wordagents.com/authoritative-sources/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023. ‌

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Google Scholar

Icons

  • use "cited by" for source mining
  • avoid paying for sources
  • look for articles in the databases if not full text
  • can not tie to FISD Google account or school library

Write a subtitle here

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Tiers of Sources

And then there's Tier 4: agenda-driven or pieces from unknown sources

Tier 1
Tier 2

PEER-REVIEWED, ACADEMIC PUBLICATION

Tier 3

REPORTS, ARTICLES, AND BOOKS FROM CREDIBLE NON-ACADEMIC SOURCES

SHORT PIECES FROM PERIODICALS OR CREDIBLE WEBSITES

(Now, let's see if you can determine the tier level of a few sources!)

hint: There will be one example of each tier level.

example

Click here!

example

example

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What about AI?

Do I need to cite my source when using info from AI?

Always defer to your teachers' before using AI for any assignment.
Bard

APA Style

DO: use AI for input tasks (like gathering and organizing info)
Meet Claude

MLA Style

Perplexity
DON'T: use AI for output tasks (like producing evidence of understanding such as writing your entire research paper for you)

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Examples of AI plagiarism include...

utilizing AI language models, such as chatbots or essay generators, to create essays, assignments, or any other academic content without sufficient originality or proper citation. Students are expected to uphold the principles of academic integrity, which include the use of their own ideas, proper research and citation practices, and the acknowledgment of external sources. Engaging in AI plagiarism not only undermines the educational process and the development of critical thinking skills but also violates the ethical standards of academic honesty."

(from your student handbook)

Are you smarter than AI?

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references:

FISD Library & Media Services HS Research Resources!

“LibGuides: First-Year Composition: Research Question.” Asu.edu, 2023, libguides.asu.edu/c.php?g=1042882&p=7568636. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023. “DuPont Library: Advanced Searching Techniques: Source Mining (Looking Backward).” Sewanee.edu, 2022, library.sewanee.edu/advanced/mining. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023. “What Is a Research Gap and How Do I Find One? - SNHU Library Frequently Asked Questions.” Snhu.edu, 2023, libanswers.snhu.edu/faq/264001#:~:text=A%20research%20gap%20is%20a,t%20been%20studied%20at%20all. Accessed 10 Aug. 2023. Jansen, Derek. “What Is a Research Gap (with Examples) - Grad Coach.” Grad Coach, 31 Oct. 2022, gradcoach.com/research-gap/. Accessed 10 Aug. 2023. ‌ ‌Ouellette, Coral. “Authoritative Sources 101: How to Find Reliable Information - WordAgents.” WordAgents, 30 Apr. 2020, www.wordagents.com/authoritative-sources/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023. ‌Mrs. Stone (our former librarian, she's AWESOME) ‌‌

mlA Notes

APA Notes

FISD Research Rubric

saving resources in google drive

Source mining

search tips

ASK THE LIBRARIAN

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Have fun learning!

photography: Thought Catalog