Post on 08-Apr-2017
transcript
BEAMing Your Research
Shannon KealeySanta Clara University Library
January 27, 2017
Lesson adapted from Woodward & Ganski, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; Engaging Ideas by John C. Bean, and Joseph Bizup, Boston University. Image courtesy of Flickr user Evan.
Objectives
• Plan & execute a search strategy
• Evaluate sources for relevance & purpose
• Discuss potential value of sources
• Select sources for purposes of your assignment
Ways of Categorizing Sources
• Scholarly -------------------------- Popular
• Primary --------------------------- Secondary
• Good -------------------------------- Bad
Bizup’s “BEAM”
• Background
• Exhibit/Evidence
• Argument
• Method
Background
“Any source, assumed to be noncontroversial, used to provide context… facts and information”
Examples: • Encyclopedia articles• Historical background/facts• News anecdotes
Exhibit/Evidence
Sources you analyze or use as evidence.
Examples: • Data you collect (interviews, surveys, field
samples)• Raw data/statistics collected by others• Statements or arguments you analyze
Argument
“The conversation of critical views and relevant scholarship” related to the topic.
Examples: • Scholarly articles about your topic• Scholarly articles about potential solutions to
your problem
Method
“References to the theories or methods the writer is employing”
Examples: • Articles or technical information about
particular research methodologies/approaches to your topic
What can you do with these sources for your writing?
• Provide context• Used to explore the problem or topicBackground
• Used to help you analyze the context and implications of your topic for public health policyExhibit
• Understand how your topic has been treated by others• Identify gaps in current understanding of your topic• Identify various perspectives on your topicArgument
• Provides validity for your recommendations and conclusionsMethod
BEAMing Your Paper
Conclusion= Method Sources
Body= Exhibit & Argument Sources
Introduction= Background Sources
Topic Development= Background Sources
BEAM Your Research Topic
• Use the mind map to brainstorm topics and sources for each BEAM element
ExampleDickey Amendment (1996)
Where will you find these sources?
• Look for encyclopedia entries , statistics, and cultural artifacts in:• Reference sources (CREDO, Gale Virtual Reference, Wikipedia)• Newspaper & Magazine Databases (New York Times; Ethnic
NewsWatch)Background
•Look for exhibit sources in:•Statistics Sources (Data-Planet, Statista, CDC, American FactFinder)•GoogleExhibit
• Look for scholarly articles related to your topic in:• Academic Search Complete/OmniFile• Subject specific databasesArgument• Look for scholarly articles about methods and theories in:• Subject specific databasesMethod
Find Sources
• Go to the research guide for this class• Using the suggested databases, find sources
for your topic• Find three different BEAM sources • Complete the form• Send a copy to yourself