Research Review

When using a database, should a researcher put in their full question to the search bar?

• No - It will likely not generate any results.

• Yes - That way the results are specific!

With the research question, "What is the biggest effect that homework has on students?" what should the writer put in the search bar of a database?

• What is the biggest effect that homework has on students?

• The biggest effects of homework on students include

• Homework effects

For the sake of our research, about how long should each source be?

• Between 1/2 a page and 1 page

• 3-6 pages

• 7-10 pages

• 10+ pages

Evidence should be concise--it should use as few of words as possible while still clearly conveying the overall idea. Let's say that I want to convey the main idea of Tinker v. Des Moines. Which sentence would be the best to select and use as evidence?

• This provision means what it says.

• If a regulation were adopted by school officials forbidding discussion of the Vietnam conflict, or the expression by any student of opposition to it anywhere on school property except as part of a prescribed classroom exercise, it would be obvious that the regulation would violate the constitutional rights of students, at least if it could not be justified by a showing that the students’ activities would materially and substantially disrupt the work and discipline of the school.

• I dissent.

• In our system, state-operated schools may not be enclaves of totalitarianism.

When selecting evidence, we want to prioritize primary sources. What are primary sources?

• Original materials or first-hand accounts of an event or topic

• Interpretations of a previous event by someone

• Opinions of experts on the topic

• The sources which are referenced by the most researchers

I am researching the effects that owning dogs have on their owners. Which piece of evidence would be an example of a primary source and, as a result, might be prioritized as evidence?

• “While ownership of animals has been ubiquitous in society for centuries, the relationship we have with our pets has certainly changed over time,” says Dr. Kathryn Winger, assistant professor for the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and neurologist at the MSU Veterinary Medical Center.

• “Taking my rescue dog Maria out for walks, getting out into fresh air, just putting one foot in front of the other, that lifts your spirits. There is just something magic about dogs. Honestly, she got me through.”

• "The therapeutic value of our relationship with pets, particularly dogs, is increasingly recognized by researchers. "

• The simplicity and depth of the love shared with a dog is a continuous joy for many, along with the health benefits of daily walks and the social delights of chats with other dog walkers.

When selecting evidence, we want to prioritize evidence by people with relevant expertise. Let's say that I am researching which fish's extinction would have the greatest impact on The Great Barrier reef. Which expert would I want to prioritize?

• Someone with a PhD in marine biology

• Your local veterinarian

• That one guy at Petsmart

• The director of the Phoenix Zoo

We want to prioritize evidence by relevant experts. Let's say that I am researching which techniques would most improve gardening. Which example text should I select as evidence because it is by a relevant expert?

• "Having recently started my own gardening journey, I've found that companion planting, crop rotation, and organic fertilizers contribute significantly to the success of cultivating a thriving garden."

• "Gardening enthusiasts often find solace and joy in the therapeutic aspects of nurturing plants, enjoying the beauty of blooms, and creating personalized green spaces."

• "Renowned horticulturist and experienced gardener, PhD, Jane Greenfield, emphasizes the importance of soil health and nutrient management in her book 'Green Thumb Gardening: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Growth.'"

• "In a recent interview, acclaimed chef and restaurant owner, Michael Culinary, expressed his love for homegrown produce, recommending culinary herbs and edible flowers to enhance the flavors of your dishes."

We want to prioritize evidence that is PRECISE, including names, locations, times, and events. Let's say that I am researching the psychological differences of Olympians. Which piece of text should I select as evidence because it is PRECISE?

• "Some athletes exhibit distinct psychological traits, while others show variations in mental resilience and focus during the Olympic Games."

• "Gold medalist Simone Biles, competing in gymnastics at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, displayed exceptional psychological strength, employing mindfulness techniques to overcome pressure and adversity on the world stage."

• "Psychological studies conducted at various Olympic Games reveal nuanced differences in the mental preparation and coping strategies employed by athletes across different sports and nations."

• In the atmospheric setting of a recent Olympics, an athlete emotionally exemplified distinct psychological differences, displaying exceptional mental strength amidst the cheers of the crowd, the rhythm of their heart, and the pressure of the challenging situations they faced."

We want to prioritize evidence that is precise, including examples that have numerical data (#s). Let's say that I am researching the health benefits of daily walks. Which example would I want to prioritize because it has numerical data?

• "Walking for just 30 minutes a day has been associated with a 20% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, according to a comprehensive analysis of health data."

• "Sarah, a working professional, shared her personal story of transformative health benefits through daily walks, experiencing increased energy, weight loss, and enhanced mental clarity."

• "Regular walks contribute to overall well-being by enhancing cardiovascular health, boosting mood, and improving endurance."

• "Research conducted by Dr. Johnson, a respected PhD in Exercise Physiology, highlights the substantial health benefits of daily walks, including a significant reduction in the risk of chronic diseases and improved overall fitness."