1. Finding Argument Sources for
Your Topic
Nicole Branch, Instruction Librarian
ENGL 2A
Image courtesy of Flickr user throgers.
2. Today we will…
• Define searchable keywords for your research
topics
• Identify & search relevant databases for
argument sources on your topic
• Learn advanced search techniques
• Find significant works related to your topic
Background image courtesy of Flickr user Paree.
3. BEAM Sources
•Often factual information, used
to provide contextBackground
• Sources you analyze or use as
evidence (the data you collect)Exhibit
• Critical views and relevant
scholarship related to the topic.Argument
• Information about how to
execute your research methodMethod
4. BEAM Sources
•Often factual information, used
to provide contextBackground
• Sources you analyze or use as
evidence (the data you collect)Exhibit
• Critical views and relevant
scholarship related to the topic.Argument
• Information about how to
execute your research methodMethod
5. Where will you find these sources?
•Look for encyclopedia entries and background information in:
•Reference sources (CREDO, Gale Virtual Reference, Wikipedia)
•Newspapers & magazines
•SCU Website
Background
• Look for data, examples and cultural artifacts in:
• Your own research
• Statistics sources (Statista, raw data)
• Google
Exhibit
• Look for scholarly articles related to your topic in:
• Academic databases
• Google ScholarArgument
• Look for scholarly articles about methods and theories in:
• Academic databases
• Books
• Google
Method
6. Image by Flickr user Lower
Columbia College.
Food security at SCUDefiningKeywords
7. Defining Research Elements
• Food security at SCU
– Food security and academic performance
– Food security and diversity
– Food security and retention
– Food security and social belonging
18. • Using the guide, select a database to begin
searching
• Use your brainstormed keywords to get
started
• Practice advanced search options
Exercise 3: Hands-On Search
19. • Using Google Scholar
Search for your topic
Search for a specific article
Find articles which are influential
Exercise 4: Tracing the Conversation