2. What is Online Search?
Online search is the process of interactively searching for and
retrieving requested information via a computer from
databases that are online. Interactive searches became
possible in the 1980s with the advent of faster databases and
smart terminals.
3. Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
Ability to obtain a large sample, which increases statistical power
Data is automatically coded so no data entry errors
Reduced cost of conducting research
Disadvantages:
Online is not totally secure and theft is one of the numerous danger it poses, researchers personal
information is at risk of being access by rogue persons.
Some of the materials on the internet have not been evaluated by experts or thoroughly screened.
Lack of accreditation and low quality
4. Research Skills
“Research” sometimes just means finding out information about a topic.
You can certainly develop advanced information retrieval skills in Working
with Sources. However, in specific understandings of “research” carry a lot
of weight. The classic definition is that “research” leads to an original
contribution to knowledge in a particular field of inquiry by defining an
important question or problem and then answering or solving it in a
systematic way.
So you will need to read on to develop a relevant understanding of what
research means in your subject.
5. Important aspects of research:
Research design covers the key issues in developing a successful research
project.
Research methods takes you to resources on essential techniques for
carrying out convincing research.
Working with data will provide resources on the use of statistics and other
numerical skills in research.
6. Some examples of research
skills that you may have
include:1. Report writing.
2. Analysing lots of information from different sources.
3. Finding information off the internet.
4. Critical thinking.