Begin with an Overview
Resource Type: General Overview Articles
When to use them? If you don't know much about a topic, it's a good idea to begin your research by reading some general, overview reference articles. These sources will enable you to learn subject specific vocabulary, develop a context for the concepts, and assemble a paradigm for your understanding.
How to approach this type of source: Use the databases below to read multiple general overview articles about your areas of inquiry. Search for articles using keywords (databases are not Google - you must be succinct in your search terminology).
Database passwords (for use when NOT in school, are listed on the library's canvas page)
Enhance your Knowledge
(Experiments, Data, Primary Sources, etc.)
Resource Type: Scholarly Articles
When to use them? Scholarly articles are written for the scientific community and often include primary source material. Many of your results will be long and dense; it's okay to read the abstract before skipping to the results and conclusions. Keep track of your citations, in case you need to return to the article in the future.
How to approach this type of source? Read overview articles (previous tab) to help find keywords relating to your specific topic; create a list of these subject specific keywords. Next use the keywords in the advanced search field to seek scholarly articles and studies (see the video below for more information). Consider limiting your results by adding filters such as Peer Review, Experiments, and Date (after 2016).
Contextualize Your Understanding
Resource Type: News Sources
When to use them? Depending on your research goals, news databases may be helpful as you connect your research to current events and create an argument regarding why or how the science is important to humanity.
