- The main search tool I have been using when researching sources is the SU library databases. I have found this to be the most useful because I know it is credible and that I have access to all of the information that is on it so there is no need to click through to make sure I can get onto the web page. It is efficient leaving me with more time to focus on the sources I am choosing between rather than searching aimlessly. The search screen includes all the databases found along with a feature that allows you to search by title subject area or content type narrowing the results down so that they are just what I am looking for. One other resource I have been using is Google Scholars which focuses on the scholarly literature available. Google Scholars is a bit more open-ended, with less specific filters to search by. While I trust this source because I know it is pulling from publications based on the results of research or studies I get stuck scrolling through pages due to the limited filters making me feel as though my time is being spent searching rather than analyzing the actual content.
- Along with a primary, and scholarly source I would like to include
a secondary source. Since I am focusing my research on
empathy, including sources that are specific to perspective and
help with understanding is key. I would like the voices of diverse
individuals to be shown through primary sources since they are
usually first-hand experiences or observations. While primary
sources can give a direct point of view and opinion it is also
important for me to search for secondary sources, such
as an analysis of the topic, that has less personal bias than a
primary source to provide context and give another perspective.
Lastly, a scholarly source adds credibility through data and facts
from a professional on the topic. These three sources give a voice
to the people being discussed, those analyzing the topic, and the
scholars researching and collecting the data. I will find these
sources by searching through the SU library database,
Google Scholar and any other resources I find through my peer’s
posts.
Writing and organizational cultures
Advanced Searching on SUMMON is both more efficient and (in my experience) less aggravating than Google Scholar, and there’s very little on GS that you wouldn’t be able to access through SUMMON, so I would recommend focusing your energies there. Having more control over the search parameters makes a huge difference in how you spend your time. (Plus, you know that everything you’ll access through SUMMON will be free)