This document provides guidance on finding argument sources for a research topic. It discusses defining searchable keywords, identifying relevant databases, and learning advanced search techniques. The document outlines different types of sources - background, exhibit, argument, and method - and where to find each type. It suggests brainstorming keywords, identifying subject areas, practicing database searches, and using techniques like advanced search options and citations to find full-text sources. The overall aim is to help students effectively search databases and identify significant scholarship related to their research topic.

1. Finding Argument Sources for
Your Topic
Nicole Branch, Instruction Librarian
ENGL 2A
Image courtesy of Flickr user throgers.

2. Today we will…
• Define searchable keywords for your research
topics
• Identify & search relevant databases for
argument sources on your topic
• Learn advanced search techniques
• Find significant works related to your topic
Background image courtesy of Flickr user Paree.

3. BEAM Sources
•Often factual information, used
to provide contextBackground
• Sources you analyze or use as
evidence (the data you collect)Exhibit
• Critical views and relevant
scholarship related to the topic.Argument
• Information about how to
execute your research methodMethod

4. BEAM Sources
•Often factual information, used
to provide contextBackground
• Sources you analyze or use as
evidence (the data you collect)Exhibit
• Critical views and relevant
scholarship related to the topic.Argument
• Information about how to
execute your research methodMethod

5. Where will you find these sources?
•Look for encyclopedia entries and background information in:
•Reference sources (CREDO, Gale Virtual Reference, Wikipedia)
•Newspapers & magazines
•SCU Website
Background
• Look for data, examples and cultural artifacts in:
• Your own research
• Statistics sources (Statista, raw data)
• Google
Exhibit
• Look for scholarly articles related to your topic in:
• Academic databases
• Google ScholarArgument
• Look for scholarly articles about methods and theories in:
• Academic databases
• Books
• Google
Method

6. Image by Flickr user Lower
Columbia College.
Food security at SCUDefiningKeywords

7. Defining Research Elements
• Food security at SCU
– Food security and academic performance
– Food security and diversity
– Food security and retention
– Food security and social belonging

8. Refining Keywords
https://vimeo.com/85564795

9. Refining Keywords
• Broader terms
• Narrower Terms
• Synonym Terms

10. Exercise 1
Brainstorm Keywords

11. Finding the conversation
Image courtesy of Flickr user spyros papasyropoulos.

12. Databases & Disciplinary Sources

13. Image courtesy of Flickr user Christian Ostrosky
Identify a Database

14. Select a Database

15. Identify Subject Areas
• Define:
 Food security & diversity
• Identify subject areas or disciplines
 Sociology
 Education
 Public Health
 Ethnic Studies

16. Exercise 2
Identify Subject Areas

17. • AND/OR/NOT
• Document types
• Truncation *
• Advanced search options
• Citations & permalinks
• Finding full text
Search Tips

18. • Using the guide, select a database to begin
searching
• Use your brainstormed keywords to get
started
• Practice advanced search options
Exercise 3: Hands-On Search

19. • Using Google Scholar
Search for your topic
Search for a specific article
Find articles which are influential
Exercise 4: Tracing the Conversation

20. Nicole Branch
Instruction Librarian
nbranch@scu.edu
x5436
Questions?