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Foundations of Education

Research Basics

Here are the basic steps for understanding a research guide for information literacy:

  1. Welcome – Start here to get an overview of the guide and its purpose. It introduces key concepts of information literacy and how this resource can help with research.

  2. What is Information Literacy? – Learn what information literacy is, why it matters, and how it helps you locate, evaluate, and use information effectively.

  3. ProQuest Research Companion – Explore this tool to develop research skills, find credible sources, and enhance your understanding of the research process.

  4. Search vs. Research – Understand the difference between a simple search (e.g., Googling) and in-depth academic research, which involves evaluating and synthesizing information.

  5. Types of Information – Discover different kinds of sources (e.g., books, scholarly articles, news, websites) and when to use each type for your research.

  6. Keyword Development – Learn how to create effective search terms by breaking down your research question into key concepts and synonyms.

  7. The Library Search – Find out how to use the library’s catalog and databases to locate books, articles, and other reliable sources.

  8. Boolean Operators – Master search techniques using AND, OR, and NOT to refine and improve search results in databases.

  9. Evaluate Sources – Learn how to assess the credibility, reliability, and relevance of sources using criteria like authority, accuracy, and bias.

  10. Cite Sources – Understand the importance of citations, how to use different citation styles (APA, MLA, etc.), and tools that can help with proper formatting.