This document provides information on different types of research sources and techniques for conducting background research. It discusses various tools for finding books, journal articles, newspapers, encyclopedias and other sources. These include the library catalog, periodical databases, and specific databases by subject area. It also outlines the differences between popular and scholarly sources, as well as between magazines and scholarly journals. Tips are provided on narrowing topics, evaluating sources, and accessing sources both on and off campus. Citations tools are also mentioned.

1. Research Sources & TechniquesBy Gina Singh

2. Research SourcesSEARCH TOOL:LIBRARY CATALOGENCYCLOPEDIASProvide short entries/articles for an overview of the topic and its main ideas .SEARCH TOOL:PERIODICAL DATABASEBOOKSGive more information for an in-depth exploration of one or more aspects of the topic.(Example: Case study books, textbooks)JOURNAL ARTICLESLengthy scholarly research studies on an extremely focused aspect of a subject.

3. Research SourcesNEWSPAPER ARTICLESVery brief news reports that focus on current events or topics currently in the news. SEARCH TOOL:PERIODICAL DATABASEMAGAZINE ARTICLESAs short as encyclopedia articles, but instead of an overview, magazines narrow the focus to one or two specific aspects of a topic.

4. Types of ResourcesScholarly SourcesIt has abstract in the beginningIt may have a list of keywordArticle has a research problemMentions studies that have addressed the problem in the pastHas a purpose statementHas research question and hypothesisUses qualitative, quantitative or mixed method approach to conduct researchHas a conclusion at the endHas a bibliography or reference list at the endPopular Sources: Magazine articles like Style, Newsweek, Time etc.Newspaper sources: LA Times, Whittier Daily News etc.Primary Sources: Original writings created at the time when the event occurred. Secondary Sources: Sources that evaluate, summarize, analyze written by experts from that field after the event has occurred. Source: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/sections/history/resources/pubs/usingprimarysources/index.cfm

5. Magazines vs. Scholarly JournalsScholarly JournalsAudience: Experts in the field, studentsLengthy, technical languageAuthor are experts in the field & credentials are always listedPeer-reviewedLook: Graphs, charts, statistical data, plain coverReferences at the endExamples: Child Development, Social Science Quarterly, Journal of Applied Psychology etc. MagazinesAudience: Large group of peopleBrief, non-technical languageAuthor is journalist or freelance writerLook: Graphics, images, advertisingNo referencesExamples: Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated etc.

6. Background ResearchBackground research is needed to understand your topic and narrow it down. Research Source: Encyclopedias like World Book Encyclopedia (in the library) and eBooks like Encyclopedia Britannicaand Gale Virtual Reference Library for reference books online. Go to Research Paper Topics on library homepage for topic selectionGo to The Research Paper: Ten Steps to Researching it Right for additional help.Check out Library Catalog for books on topics for research papers.Is the information relevant?Identify search termsIs the information from a legitimate source?

7. Additional HelpFor more on primary & secondary sources:http://lib1.bmcc.cuny.edu/help/sources.htmlSpotting Bias in news: http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/educational/handouts/broadcast_news/bw_bias_in_the_news.cfmTania Shabelnik Libguide: http://libguides.riohondo.edu/evaluatingwebsites

8. Narrow Your TopicWho?What?Which?When?Where?Why? Source: OSU Tutorial from liblearn.osu.edu/courses/english110/old%20stuff/narrow_topic.ppt

12. Start Research from the library homepageFIND BOOKSFIND JOURNAL, MAGAZINE, AND NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

13. Two Search Tools to Find Good SourcesPROQUEST RESEARCH LIBRARY(Journal Articles)LIBRARY CATALOG(Books)

14. Databases by Subjecthttp://library.riohondo.edu/online_databases/databasesA_Z.htm

15. Gale Virtual Reference Library Database for Background Info, Religion, Biography, History & Multicultural Studies

16. Art Stor: Database for Sculpture, Architecture, Art and Humanities

17. For & Against ViewpointsIssues & Controversies DatabaseGale Opposing Viewpoints in Context

18. Access Rio for Off Campus Use

19. Where to SearchFor Books: Library Catalog http://library.riohondo.edu/For Scholarly Articles: Databases: Proquest, Gale Reference Library. Off Campus Users: Access RioFor Controversial Topics: Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context, Issues and ControversiesCheck out Controversial Topics Books Link on the library homepage http://library.riohondo.edu/For Current Issues: CQ Researcher, Proquest, Gale Opposing Viewpoints, Issues and ControversiesFor Biographies: Gale Biography in ContextFor Historical Books : Google Books at http://books.google.com/For Historical Newspapers: Google News Archives Search at http://news.google.com/archivesearchFor Statistics data & charts: Social Science DatabaseFor Population Stats: US Census Bureau databaseLegitimate sources: Google Books, Google ScholarFor Periodical Holdings List: Access from our library homepage. Direct url at http://library.riohondo.edu/Research_Help/Periodical%20Holdings%20List%20-%202010-2011.pdf (Check out the listings by subject in the end).

20. Citation HelpIn the Library: Books: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers

21. Handouts: Available at the reference desk & given during orientationOnline: Son of Citation Machine http://citationmachine.net/Easy Bib http://www.easybib.com/IMP: Always double check your citations with the handbook or the handouts given to you in the library. DONOT rely on online citation generators for correct and accurate citations.