Spring 2009

INLS 200-002: Retrieving & Analyzing Information

　

[Syllabus] [Schedule & Readingle] [Blackboard]

[Research Question Development] [Source Evaluation] [[Research Project: Final Report]

[Research Database Review]

 

 

Discipline-Specific Research Datatbase Review

 

 

Overview

 

Students will identify and review two discipline-specific research databases that they consider the best in their major areas (e.g., biology, psychology, politics, etc.). Note that many sources have both print and electronic versions. These dual-media sources can count either way. But: make note of the media in which you are using the source, and the unique features of that source in that media, which set it apart from that source in the other media.)

 

Students will write a report (2-4 pages, single spaced) of their findings about their two research databases comparing the different scopes, descriptions, and characteristics. The followings are the basic entries to consider for the comparative review. Additional criteria to compare the databases need to be added and illustrated for the good grade. The short description of comparing the similarities and differences of two databases, and the appropriate situations to use a database, in particular, should be added to the report, too.

Research databases indicate the databases which provide access to multiple resources (e.g., journals, reports, abstracts, etc) in a particular topic or genre of sources. It does not indicate a single journal in a topic area. Selecting inappropriate sources as research database will be a critical criteria to evaluate the assignment. Information sources used in writing the report should be cited in the report, and the full citation information should be noted at the end of the report.

　

The detailed instruction, including the concept of research databases, will be given during the class.

 

Points (Total: 10 points)

　

　

　

 

Last Updated: 01/11/2008