Frontiers of Research: Quiz 3

In general, surveying related literature that has implications for the research question of an investigation should be done:

• before conducting a study

• while conducting a study

• after conducting a study

• only if a recent review is unavailable

Where should one look for a general summary of the research completed on "direct instruction"?

• "Journal of Educational Research"

• "Psychological Abstracts"

• "Encyclopedia of Educational Research"

• A current text on research methods

Education Index" is most useful as a source for locating:

• research conference papers and proceedings

• research references, abstracts and articles

• names of research authorities

• names of institutions that conduct research

Doctoral dissertations and masters' theses:

• should not be used as sources in literature reviews

• are usually not considered original research

• are available in digital format dating back to 1861

• are available in digital format dating back to 1988

General reference tools are most useful for:

• locating original reports of research

• reviewing the status of the research problem

• evaluating the adequacy of previous studies

• helping with methodological problems

The first step in conducting a literature search generally should be to refer to:

• general references

• primary sources

• secondary sources

• computer search sources

A common problem occurring at the beginning of a literature search is that:

• the research problem is not specific enough

• pertinent references cannot be obtained

• primary sources are classified in so many ways

• no mechanism exists for systematically organizing all the studies done

In order to conduct a thorough search of relevant primary sources, it may be necessary to:

• consult Who's Who in American Education

• search manually for sources only available in print/paper format

• search the Subject Guide to Books in Print

• write an annotated bibliography

When searching using general reference tools, the first step is to:

• define the problem as precisely as possible

• determine if the problem is feasible and significant

• consult a secondary source to verify the sources are primary

• limit the search to peer-reviewed sources

Which of the following is the least effective example of search terms used to start a literature search on high school teaching methods:

• teaching methods and high school

• secondary education and instruction

• effective instructional methods in American high schools

• pedagogy and (secondary education or high school)