1. CHLS 100
Steps to
Successful
Research
Susan C. Luévano
CSULB
Chicano & Latino Studies Librarian

2. How to find
sources

3. Selecting a Topic

5. Creating a Search Strategy
 Use pre-Research data to create thesis statement
 Break down your thesis statement by concept
 Develop research question(s)
 Use
 Boolean operators
 Truncation
 Select databases & other resources
 Academic Search Complete
 SocInex

6. Creating a Search Strategy
Break down your thesis statement by
the most specific concepts.
The Mexican American Studies program
at TUSD should be reinstated.

7. Creating a Search Strategy
 Breakdown your topic by the most
specific key concepts in your statement.

8. Work time
Yourturn!
Question 1

9. Research Questions
What research question(s) can we
develop for the reinstating the MA
studies topic?
A) Why was the program eliminated?
B)What curriculum was taught in the
program?
C) What statistical data proves that the
program promoted student success?
D) All of the above.

10. Work time
Yourturn!
Question 2

11. Creating a Search Strategy
Boolean Operators
 Computer commands used to create a
research strategy.

12. Boolean Operators

13. Creating a Search Strategy
 Boolean Operators
 AND
 OR Ethnic A
TUSD
N
studies D
O Chican Hispanic or
Hispanic R o Chicano

14. Creating a Search Strategy
 Truncation
 More results
 Plurals
Asterisk *
Cultur*
Culture
Cultures
Cultural
Culturally

15. Work Time
Yourturn!
Question 3

16. Scholarly Journals
 Journals
 Written for a scholarly audience
 Report on research
 In-depth
 Extensive bibliography
 May be “peer reviewed”
 Has been reviewed by a team of scholars

17. Find Articles

18. Databases
 Academic Search Complete
 Interdisciplinary
 Lots of full-text
 Scholarly & popular publications
 SocIndex
 Publications by and for ethnic groups including
Hispanics
 Scholarly only
 Not available at CSULB? Use

19. Work time
Yourturn!
Question 4

20. Truncation
Boolean
Operators
Search Strategies
LIMIT - Scholarly LIMIT – Pub years
LIMIT - Language

21. How can I just get scholarly journal
articles when searching the research
databases?

22. How do I get full-text article?

23. Full-text available

24. Full-text NOT available

ArticleReach

25. COAST
Susan Luévano, CSULB, University Library

26. Work time
Yourturn!
Question 5

27. Using databases off campus

28. Review: research basics
Step 1: Develop search strategy using
 Keywords
 Develop research questions
 Boolean operators
 Truncation
Step 2: Search databases
 Research Database
Step 3: Search the databases
 Try different keywords, try different searches
 Move to database subject headings
 Select the best citations
 Use internal citation generators when sending information

29. Review: Research roadmap
Step 4: Evaluate resources
Step 5: Apply and use information
 Synthesize information
 Write up the finding and conclusion
 Create your bibliography using correct citation
style
 Use the CHLS100 LibGuide!!

30. Still need a little help?

31. Want to talk to a real human?
 Askat the Reference Desk, 1st West
 Consultations
 Susan Luévano
 Office hours:
 U Library, room 416, 4th floor
 Wednesday, 2:30 pm -4:30 pm
 Susan.luevano@csulb.edu

32. CHLS LibGuide
http://csulb.libguides.com/CHLS100_Garcia_Orozco

33. Library home page
www.csulb.edu/library

34. Questions ???