Ch 14 - Researching in Technical Workplaces Flashcards
How do you use the scientific method to do evidence-based research? (6 - or 8 step, depending on breakout)
1) Define research subject
2) Formulate research question and hypothesis
3) Develop research methodology
4) Collect evidence and triangulate sources
5) Take careful notes & Appraise evidence
6) Revise, accept, or abandon hypothesis
(if abandon hypothesis, create a new one that fits the evidence and then run experiments/observations that test it)
How do you identify boundaries and narrow scope to define your research subject?
- Concept Map of subject (known info and questions)
- Narrow scope - choose an angle to determine specific direction (“Eagles” becomes “Bald eagles on the Mississippi River”)
How do you formulate a research question or hypothesis to guide research?
Ask the question that you would most like to answer
Then answer that question using a best guess based on your current knowledge.
How do you develop a research methodology and revise it as needed?
1) Describe how the selected sources will be used along with the expected findings from each one
2) Add a step that says how you will analyze the findings (statistical analysis, verifying sources, etc.)
3) Follow methodology until you need to deviate to follow available evidence or unexpected results.
4) Keep track of changes to be able to revise original plan.
How do you collect evidence through sources?
Access databases, websites, libraries, publications, etc. and generate quantitative and/or qualitative empirical data through experiments and field observations.
How do you triangulate evidence to ensure reliability?
Use source selections from electronic, print, and empirical sources.
- If similar facts found in all three, probably reliable information
- If only two are similar, probably reliable, with less confidence
- If no similarities, might not be reliable - needs further confirmation.
How do you use note-taking strategies and tools to support research?
- Record each source separately - identify citation information and organize all notes for each source in a logical system
- Most notes include summaries, paraphrases, quotes and personal comments.
- For quotations - get exact wording & use quotes if short - use indented paragraph if >3 lines
- Paraphrases still require citation, but no quotes
How do you appraise evidence to ensure reliability?
Answer the questions:
- Is the source reliable?
- How biased is the source?
- Am I biased?
- Is the source up to date?
- Can the evidence be verified?
- Have I plagiarized any of my sources?
What two categories should be made from evidence to write an effective research paper from all the information gathered?
Need-to-know (to make a decision)
Want-to-tell.
What’s the six step process for summarizing sources for research?
- Read the source carefully to gain an overall understanding.
• Highlight or underline the main point and other key points.
• Condense key points into lists, where appropriate.
• Organize information from most important to least important.
• Use plain language to replace any technical terms or jargon in the original.
• Use in-text citations to identify important ideas from the source.
What are some ways to set off commentary in notes to separate them from source presentation and avoid plagiarism?
Label, use brackets, use color, or font differences.
How should sources be documented in research?
1) Name each sourse with in-text citation
2) Provide full citation in references list in back matter
What are the three citation documentation systems used in technical fields?
- APA - American Psychological Association (most common)
- CSE
- MLA
What is a literature review and what does it do?
List provided by scientific sources that traces research on the subject back at least a few years.
