This document provides an overview of research strategies and tools for conducting academic research. It discusses basic search techniques like using keywords and Boolean operators. It also describes various databases for finding scholarly articles and other sources, including Academic Search Elite, CQ Researcher, Lexis Nexis Academic, and subject-specific databases. Finally, it covers how to obtain full-text articles and properly cite sources.

1. Research
Comm 335
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2. Basic Searching
Write down terms
that relate to
your subjects
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Determine vocabulary that
may be used in a database

3. Narrows a search
Both terms appear in same record
AND
Terms have different meanings
example: internet AND socialization
Journal of Social & Personal Relationships
Broadens a search
Either term may appear in record
OR
Terms have similar meanings
example: interpersonal OR interaction

4. Can look for multiple endings of a
word or plurals
asterisk
measure* measure measures
Allows you to specify how close
you want your terms to appear in
the record
Proximity
Phrase Searching
online w4 interaction within 4 words
“online interaction”

5. Most often will
Scholarly NOT be
specifically about
publications Long Beach
Provide data or theoretical analysis
In-depth coverage of a topic
References
Peer reviewed by experts
Written by experts

6. Popular CAN be specifically
about Long Beach
publications
Written by paid journalists
Will provide overview of a topic
Written for general public
Vague references to sources
NO references

7. Finding information about Long Beach
Local information is not always easy..
City of Long Beach website
Long Beach & Local History Guide

8. Newsstand (Pro-Quest)
Full-text of newspapers
1980-Current date
Allows you to search by
article type
Allows the use of
quotations for searching!

9. CQ Researcher
Each one contains this information about an
issue in today’s news
Overview
Background (history) Pro/con
Current situation Chronology
Outlook Next Steps (forecast)

10. Opposing Viewpoints Database
Contains essays on both sides of an issue
Search by keyword or browse topic
Beware of date of publication
Contains the full text

11. Lexis Nexis Academic
Contains the full-text
Use Synonyms
Popular Publications
Legal and Medical sources
Ranks by Relevancy

12. Academic Search Elite
Contains
articles on
almost any
subject
full text
If you limit your search to “peer reviewed”
it will only give you scholarly articles

15. has books, electronic books
Coast and links to government
documents that are online
check out our other Subject
databases to make sure Specific
you are using the right
Databases
ones

16. Getting the
Article

17. If the record isn’t full text
Click on Get@CSULB
to determine availability

18. Get it @CSULB box pops up

19. If it says…
Look at the record and get it!

20. ArticleReach
makes getting an article as simple
as saying, "I want it!"

21. Citing sources
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Books
Articles
In-text citations
Book Chapters
Web Sites
OWL Purdue Writing Guides
This page provides links to a variety of online
examples of citing in both MLA and APA styles

22. Get a Library Password
Go to Coast
https://coast.library.csul
b.edu/patroninfo
Type in your name,
CSULB I.D. #, and a
Password of your
choice
Confirm Password by
typing it twice more
If the screen shows your
name- it worked! If you forgot your password call: 562 985-5512 and
get it erased so you can create a new one!

23. Become a Fan of the Library on Facebook!
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Yahoo/MSN IM: csulb_librarian AOL/GoogleTalk: csulblibrarian Twitter: csulb_library