This document provides guidance on conducting research for a capstone project. It outlines how to access library databases remotely, select relevant databases, and limit searches. It recommends specific education databases from EBSCO and ProQuest. Tips are provided on identifying articles with quantitative data and finding full text when only an abstract is available. Formatting references in APA style is also addressed, with suggestions to use library guides, online help or citation management software. Contact information is provided for research assistance.

1. EMAT 689: Research Capstone Skills we’ll cover today include . . .  Accessing library materials remotely  Selecting relevant databases  Imposing limits on your searches Finding quantitative research Locating the full text of an article  Using the correct format for APA citations

2. Remote access requires the GALILEO password. It’s available to you after you “authenticate” yourself. The password changes for each new academic term.

3. How do you access the Swilley Education databases?

4. The databases you choose to search will certainly determine the results you receive. Two databases I turn to frequently are: Formally known as: Research Library at ProQuest Generally known as: Wilson OmniFile Each database is multidisciplinary and offers full text from at least 1,700 publications.

5. Other helpful databases the library buys for you are from the EBSCO company. You can search simultaneously a suite of Education databases. Go to the Swilley Education databases Click on Academic Search Complete

6. You’ll see a list of about 60 databases. Use the checkboxes to mark those you want to search. To search for articles on a wide range of Education topics, I suggest you choose these EBSCO databases . . . Academic Search Complete E-Journals ERIC Professional Development Collection PsycARTICLES Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection PsycINFO Sociological Collection Then click

7. An important skill for finding relevant articles is to put limits on the results you are looking for. You can limit your results by . . . Type of publication (scholarly, newspaper, …) Date of publication Features of the documents you want (statistics, …) Articles available from the database in full text BUT DON’T LIMIT TO FULL TEXT ONLY!!! If one database doesn’t have the full text of what you want, there are easy ways to see if you can get it another way.

8. NO! This function adds considerable power to your search.

9. Looking for research articles with quantitative data?

10. Identifying Articles with Quantitative Data

11. When you limit your results to Table in Wilson OmniFile, the table might be something like a rubric in grid form. It’s not guaranteed to be a table of numerical data. Try this in any of the databases you search. An alternative way to find articles with quantitative data is to use quantitative as one of your search terms.

12. When you have identified a relevant article, how can you find more articles on the same subject? You could investigate the suggestions that are contained within your own search results.

13. Suggestions for related topic searches. You may need to “Search Within Results” because these are broad topics.

14. Suggestions for other search terms. Note how broad the terms are – this may limit their value.

15. You’ve heard reasons about why not to limit your search results to what the database provides in full text. So how can you find the full text when the database offers only an abstract? (1) Each of the databases we’re reviewing does offer an internal link to show Swilley holdings. (2) The Swilley page offers a “Journal Search” feature. If you know the journal you need, you can see if we have the specific issue you want. Examples follow . . . .

16. Click on this to see if Swilley has this journal for the issue you need.

17. We want the April 2000 issue -- Vol. 57, Iss. 7 Notice all the databases that offer full text. Let’s click on the first database to get the article.

19. If you see no sign that full text is available from the database, you can click on the link to see the Swilley holdings.

20. No indication that the database provides full text. Click here to link to Swilley holdings. Maybe we have it in print, or on microfilm? You’ll see . . .

21. Here’s a fail-safe method to see the Swilley holdings for any journal. First: Click here. Second: Enter the journal title. Print or microfilm

22. Remember how the EBSCO databases use this system to help you find an article in a journal? If you are directed to Wilson OmniFile for the full text, you’ll see just some empty search boxes. You must enter the terms. Specific to the article you’re looking for.

23. Create a References List Using the APA Citation Format The handout we prepared for you may be helpful. Refer to the APA Publication Manual. (Swilley has copies.) (3) Online help to see examples: Swilley page  Education  “APA Format Tip Sheet” (bottom) (4) Google search: APA citation style (You’ll see many sites.) (5) is online software to help create bibliographies. I’ll demonstrate it now and I’ll give you a step-by-step handout.

24. The librarians are very eager to help you succeed. We want to empower you to become a skillful and self-reliant searcher who knows how to navigate the complex world of information. If you need further consultation with me, get in touch – 678.547.6256 (my office); 678.547.6282 (Reference Desk) [email_address]