This document provides an overview of the research process from topic selection to finding scholarly sources. It discusses narrowing and defining a research topic, identifying keywords, determining the appropriate research area and identifying relevant sources such as primary, secondary and tertiary literature. It also covers searching the library catalog and databases, evaluating search results, and features of scholarly journal articles. Tips are provided for starting a literature review, citing sources, and resources for copyright information at Seneca College. The goal is to guide students through the initial research stages for their studies in community mental health.

1. MHB 399
Advanced Studies in Community Mental Health
Research Process: Topic Selection to Finding Scholarly Sources
Therese Tisse-vera-singhe
Librarian @ King Campus

2. Scholarly Research

3. Source: https://www.cwts.nl/blog?article=n-r2r294

4. Source: https://www.cwts.nl/blog?article=n-r2r294

5. Understanding the Research Landscape:
Research as Conversation
Image Source: https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/business
Business vector created by rawpixel.com

6. Literature Review
 Definition
 Purpose of Literature Reviews
 Format
 Introduction
 Body: Headings, subheadings
 Conclusion
 References
For more information:
• University of Guelph Library’s Writing a Literature Review. https://bit.ly/2jODISp
• Thomson Rievers University Writing Centre, Literature Review Template. https://bit.ly/2HqLtJB

8. Starting your Research

9. Narrow & Define your Topic
Example Topic: Role of Family Factors and Relationship Dynamics
on Dating Violence Victimization
Specify Population:
• Female
• College students
• Homo/Heterosexual
relationships
• Canadian
• Culture:
• Asian/African/…
• Groups:
• Immigrants/middle-
class/Indigenous
Who are you studying?
Identify Family Factors:
• Single or 2 parent
• Interparental violence
• LGBTQ parenting
• Addiction
• Immigrant parents
• Intergenerational violence
• Sexual abuse
What exactly do you want to find out about your
selected population?

10. Narrow & Define your Topic
 Who – population or group (e.g., college students; women; Asian Americans)
 What – discipline or focus (e.g., sociological or public health perspective)
 Where – geographic location (e.g., United States; universities; small towns)
 When – time period or era (19th century; Renaissance; Vietnam War)
 Why – why is the topic important or relevant to the discipline?
Source: https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=283095&p=1886086
Consider focusing your search on one or more of these facets:
Aspect of the disease or condition:
epidemiology (incidence and distribution), etiology (cause), genetics, pathogenesis (manner of development of a
disease), pathophysiology (physiology of an abnormal or diseased organism), prevention, treatment
Characteristic of the population:
Age, comorbidity (presence of another disease or condition), Ethnicity, gender, environment (including geography
or specific living conditions), socioeconomic status
Source: https://guides.lib.uconn.edu/health/YourTopic

11. Topic Selection  Keyword Identification

12. Identify Keywords from Topic
Example Topic: Role of Family Factors and Relationship Dynamics
on Dating Violence Victimization
 Identify and specify primary keywords & Synonyms
 Dating violence  Intimate partner violence, domestic violence, partner abuse, domestic violence,
 Identify secondary or related keywords & synonyms
 Victimization victim, sufferer, survivor
 Female woman, girl
Consider all the alternative terminology for your keyword.
What are alternative terms for marijuana?

13. Determine Research Area & Identify Sources
Primary Literature Secondary Literature Tertiary Literature
Primary sources means original
studies, based on direct observation,
use of statistical records, interviews,
or experimental methods, of actual
practices or the actual impact of
practices or policies.
Secondary literature consists of
interpretations and
evaluations that are derived
from or refer to the primary
source literature.
Tertiary literature consists of a
distillation and collection of
primary and secondary sources
Original research are found in:
• journals
• dissertations
• conference proceedings
• correspondence
Review articles, systematic
reviews, meta-analysis, practice
guidelines, monographs on a
specific subject
Textbooks, encyclopedias,
handbooks, newspapers
Source: https://research.library.gsu.edu/c.php?g=115595&p=1940435

14. Scholarly Publication: Researcher Article Journal
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Scholarly Journal
Peer-reviewed Article
Researcher/Author

15. Source: https://bowvalleycollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=10229&p=52137

16. Source: https://bowvalleycollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=10229&p=52137

17. Journal Article  Scholarly Journal  Database

18. Search Sources
1. Seneca Library Search
2.Seneca Library Databases
3.Google Scholar

19. Seneca Library Search Box
 Library Search Box: http://library.senecacollege.ca/
 Type in the keywords: ie. Intimate Partner Violence  https://bit.ly/2EaI80u

20. Seneca Library Search Box
Pros & Cons
List of content not included in your search

21. Refining your Search
1. Select Subject Terms
2. Select Availability
3. Publication Date
4. Material Type
If your results are still too many,
go back to Subject terms to select
most relevant.
Keep Refining.
If too little results, start again and
select broader Subject Terms &/or
date range.

22. Refining your Search: Example
1. Select Subject Terms
2. Select Availability
3. Publication Date
4. Material Type

23. Find & Select the Most Relevant Source

24. Databases
 Seneca Library Databases
 Finding the right Database (Refine by Subject &/or Type
 What is a database?
 How do I access the library’s database?

25. Databases
Specific: SocINDEX
 SocINDEX offers comprehensive coverage of sociology, encompassing all sub-disciplines and
closely related areas of study.
 books, monographs, conference papers and other non-periodical content sources, the database
also includes searchable cited references.
Less Specific: ScienceDirect
 Provides users with access to a wide range of journal articles and full-text e-books in
Health and Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering, Computers and Technology,
and the Social and Behavioural Sciences.
General: Academic Search Premier
 Provides access to a large multidisciplinary collection of more than 5100 magazines, journals,
newspapers, podcasts and transcripts

26. Find Article in one of the Databases Listed

27. Database Features*
*Varies with each Database

28. Title
Keywords
Abstract
Purpose
Introduction
Methods & Procedures
Results
Analysis & Conclusion
Reference
Scholarly Articles: Utilizing Key Components

29. Introduction
Why Introduction?
• Field domain (background research)
• Key Research papers & authors
• Gaps in the field

30. Reference
Why References?
• Already a topic
specific selection of
articles

31. Database: Academic Search Premier
Platform: EBSCOhost
Features:
• Publications
• Subject Terms
• Cited References

32. Database: Academic Search Premier
Platform: EBSCOhost
Features:
• Publications
• Subject Terms
• Cited References

33. Identifying Key Authors or Ideas or Relationships

34. Class Exercise
 Search in the library Catalogue (Search Box) using the keywords identified.
 Library Search Box: http://library.senecacollege.ca/
 Remember to Refine your Search by:
 Availability
 Subject Term
 Publication Date
 TASK: Find just ONE article that is the most relevant to your research interest.

35. Google Scholar
 What is Google Scholar?
 Find out if Seneca Libraries has access to full-text of an article found on Google
Scholar
https://scholar.google.ca/

36. Starting your Literature Review
Assignment Calculator
https://bit.ly/2YxmR8C
https://bit.ly/2kQxCkJ

37. Source: https://www.cwts.nl/blog?article=n-r2r294

38. Citations Subject Guide
Seneca Libraries Citing Sources  APA
Why do I need to cite?
You need to cite sources to acknowledge the work of other authors. Apart from giving credit where it's due,
citing is also important because it supports your knowledge with additional research that strengthens your
argument in addition to giving readers a way to locate your sources for further investigation.
Failing to cite can result in plagiarism, which is a serious charge and can affect your academic record.

39. APA Format
APA Style: Seneca Libraries Citing SourcesAPA
NOTE:
Download the following template:
 APA Sample Paper Template and/or APA Sample Paper Template - with Appendix
(Seneca example)
 Also helpful is the End of Paper Checklist
Note: Summer Citation Workshops starting May 22nd, 2019
Wednesdays at 2pm
King Learning Centre
Please see Workshop Schedule

40. Seneca’s Copyright Policy: Enforcement
Enforcement
4.1 Where it is determined that a violation of this policy has occurred, Seneca shall exercise its right and
obligation to sanction the offending student or employee, which may include:
 Verbal/written warnings
 Rescinding of Seneca services
 Removal of materials from computer equipment facilities and networks
 Denial of using copyright material in the academic environment/classroom
 Restitution for costs associated with copyright material
 Disciplinary directives
 Behavioural contracts
 Suspension
 Expulsion
 Dismissal
4.2 The appropriate Chair, Dean or Director shall discuss, confirm and convey the recommended sanction for a violation
of this policy.
4.3 Documentation outlining Seneca’s decisions in a specific violation may be placed on the student’s and/or employee’s
file for up to two years, subject to the provisions of the appeal and/or collective agreement processes.

41. Seneca Copyright Resources
https://studentcopyright.wordpress.com/copyright/ https://seneca.libguides.com/copyright

42. Get in Touch
https://seneca.libanswers.com/

43. Thank you!
Questions or Concerns?
Contact me:
Therese Tisse-vera-singhe
Therese.Tisseverasinghe@SenecaCollege.Ca
Slides will be emailed shortly.