1. George Mason
University Libraries
HNRS 110:
Research
Methods
Fall 2012

2. • Jenna Rinalducci, MA, MSLS
• Fenwick Library
jrinaldu_@_gmu.edu
703-993-3720
• Liaison Librarian for School of Art, Art
History Program & Honors College

3. Every discipline has unique approaches to
research
"Writing in Art and Design." Language and Learning Online.
Monash University, 27 Feb. 2007. Web. 6 Sept. 2012.
<http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/artdesign>
“How Science Works: The Flowchart."Understanding Science. University of
Wheeldon, Johannes, and Mauri California Museum of Paleontology , 6 Sept. 2012.
Åhlberg. Visualizing social science <http://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/scienceflowchart>
research: maps, methods, &
meaning. Los Angeles: SAGE
Publications, 2012.

4. HOWEVER…There are commonalities among
the disciplines when conducting research.
“An Overview of the Research Process.” New College: Guide to Research and Writing. Arizona State University. 2010. Web.
24 Sept. 2012.

5. HOWEVER…
There are commonalities among the
disciplines when writing a college
research paper.
Check out the list Steps in the Research
Process.

6. What are the 4 steps in
the Research Process?
1. Pick a topic
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. Write the paper

7. What are the 4 steps in
the Research Process?
1. Pick a topic
2. Where to search (databases)
3. How to search (keywords)
4. How to get it (find the article)
5. Is what I’ve got any good?
6. Write the paper

8. What words do you associate with
RESEARCH?
Wordle Created from 2012 Survey of HNRS 110 Students

9. HNRS 110 Library Guide
http://hnrs110.gmu.edu/library
http://hnrs110.gmu.edu/library

10. Where to Search
Big Box Stores Boutique Stores
ProQuest Research Subject-Based Databases
Library
Multi-subject, popular & scholarly Example:
articles, extensive full-text
PsycINFO
Academic Search
Abstracts & limited full-text
Complete articles from 1,500
psychology journals in 35
Multi-subject, popular & scholarly different languages
articles, extensive full-text

11. Where to Search

12. How To Search
The Starbucks Syndrome:
Finding the right search terms can make all the difference.

13. Words to Use:
ProQuest Research Library
What does the database want you
to use

14. Words to Use: PsycINFO
What does the database want you
to use

15. Refine Your Search

16. Refine Your Search

17. How to Get It:
Step 1: The E-Journal Finder (or Mason Link)
Access to 60,000 journals online
Step 2: George Mason University Library Catalog
11,000 in print subscriptions in Fenwick Library
Step 3: WRLC Consortium Loan Service (CLS)
Delivery among partner Universities
Step 4: Interlibrary Loan
Delivery from libraries nationwide

18. How to
Get It

19. Is What I’ve Got Any Good?
The CRAAP Test for evaluating information
• Currency = Timeliness
• Relevance/Coverage = Depth
• Authority = Provider
• Accuracy = Reliability
• Purpose / Objectivity = Bias

20. Feedback after Library Session