UMUC LIBS150 Research Log Project 1

Instructions: Work through each step of this log, answering
each question as the directions indicate. Each step, except Step 1, will
receive a grade, and the sum of these grades will constitute your total grade
for Research Log Part 1. Refer to the section on how each step of the log will
be graded for detailed grading information.
Most fields require text entry. If a
required field is left blank, your work will not be submitted. If there is no
information to provide in a specific field, simply type N/A.
Review your work before submitting it
to your instructor for grading; you will be unable to edit it further after
submitting it.
Note: Be
sure to review the examples and hints provided with each step! Your answers
should be similar to the examples.
Step
1: Select Your Research Question
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Select a Research Question….
1. What kind of treatment is available for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder?
2. What effect does violence in the media have on children?
3. How does fast food contribute to obesity in children?
4. Another research question may be used with prior approval from the instructor.

.png”>How
will Step 1 be graded? Step 1 will not
receive a grade.
Step
2: Select Your Search Terms
A.
Identifying Key Concepts
List the three key concepts (words,
phrases, or both) that best describe the main concepts of your selected
research question from Step 1.

Key Concept 1

Key Concept 2

Key Concept 3

Example: For the research question “How can
marketing on the Internet be effective for a small business?” the key
concepts are: marketing, Internet, small business
Hint: Refer
to week 1 for a review of key concepts.
B.
Brainstorming Alternative/Related Terms
Review the key concepts you listed in
each of the boxes above (Step 2, Part A) and identify alternative
terms/synonyms or related terms for each key concept in the appropriate box
below.

Key Concept 1
Alternative/Related Terms

Key Concept 2
Alternative/Related Terms

Key Concept 3
Alternative/Related Terms

Example: For the research question example in Step 2,
Part A:
Key Concept 1: marketingKey Concept 1 Alternative/Related Terms: branding, advertising,
promotion
Hint: Refer
to week 1 for a review of identifying alternative/related terms (keywords) for
key concepts.
How
will Step 2 be graded?
Unsatisfactory
(0 points): Does not demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of the
research question or identify any relevant alternative/related terms or
synonyms.
Satisfactory
(1–4 points): Correctly lists the three key concepts from the research question
in Part A and/or identifies at least one relevant alternative/related term or
synonym for each key concept listed in Part B.
Excellent
(5 points): Accurately lists three key concepts of the research question, thus
demonstrating an understanding of the research question, and identifies two or
more relevant alternative/related terms for each key concept, indicating some
creative brainstorming.
Step
3: Create a Search Statement
Using all of the key concepts you
identified in Step 2, Part A and some of the keywords (alternative/related
terms) you identified in Step 2, Part B, create a search statement that
effectively uses Boolean operators and advanced searching techniques (nesting,
truncation, phrase searching).

Example: (marketing OR branding OR advertis*) AND
(Internet OR Web) AND (“small business” OR entrepreneurship)
Hint: Refer
to week 1 for a review of Boolean operators, search statements, and advanced
searching techniques.
How
will Step 3 be graded?
Unsatisfactory
(0–1 points): Does not construct a reasonable search statement.
Satisfactory
(2–4 points): Constructs a basic search statement that effectively uses Boolean
operators to connect key concepts.
Excellent
(5 points): Effectively uses Boolean operators and advanced searching
techniques (nesting, truncation, phrase searching) to construct a search
statement with no spelling errors.
To save a draft of your work on this
project, use the Save Draft button below. The next time you return to Research
Log Project Part 1, the fields you have entered will be retrieved and entered
in the project form.
Note: Most
fields require text entry. If a required field is left blank, your work will
not be submitted. The empty fields will be marked with asterisks to make it
easier for you to supply the missing information and resubmit the form. If
there is no information to provide in a specific field, simply type N/A.
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