Finding and Evaluating Research Sources

This video tutorial by Kirsten Duffin, a reference librarian, guides viewers on how to find quality secondary sources within scientific literature. It explains the differences between primary and secondary sources, and provides detailed instructions on using library databases to locate secondary sources. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of using keywords effectively, evaluating search results, and organizing research. It also encourages viewers to seek assistance from librarians if needed.

What is the primary focus of this video tutorial?

• How to use laboratory equipment

• How to write a scientific research paper

• How to find quality secondary sources in scientific literature

• How to conduct original scientific research

Which of the following is an example of a primary source?

• A book by Carl Sagan

• A magazine article on health apps

• A news article about animal species

• A research article on songbird migration

What distinguishes a secondary source from a primary source?

• It reports original research

• It evaluates and interprets primary literature

• It is written by professional scientists

• It is published in scientific journals

Which database is recommended for finding secondary sources?

• Google Scholar

• Academic Search Complete

• PubMed

• IEEE Xplore

What should you do before downloading a full-text article?

• Count the number of pages

• Check the author's credentials

• Read the abstract to ensure relevance

• Verify the publication date

How can you limit search results to only secondary sources?

• Search for articles published in the last year

• Use only one keyword

• Select 'magazines' and 'news' in the source type filter

• Select 'journals' in the source type filter

What is a useful strategy when searching for articles?

• Browse multiple articles before making a selection

• Avoid using synonyms in searches

• Only look at the first page of results

• Use a single keyword for all searches

What is the purpose of a permalink in a database?

• To print the article directly

• To share the article on social media

• To provide a permanent link to return to the article

• To save the article to your computer

What should you do if you have trouble finding resources?

• Give up on the research

• Ask a librarian for assistance

• Use only Google for searches

• Rely solely on textbooks

What is an iterative process in research?

• Using the same search terms repeatedly

• Avoiding the use of databases

• Trying different search terms and refining results

• Reading only one article